Is Opium Addiction a Risk Factor for Bone Loss?

Background: Drug abuse is one of the most important public health problems worldwide as in Iran. The aim of present study was to determine whether opium addiction can affect bone mineral density or not. Methods: Fifty opium addicted and 50 non-addicted volunteer men aged between 25-45 were enrolled. The subjects with positive history of other osteoporosis risk factors were excluded. The vertebral bone density and potential confounders (age, cigarette smoking and body mass index) were measured in all subjects. Results: Twenty six percent of non-addicted vs. 56% of addicted subjects had vertebral osteopenia. According to adjusted ORs, addiction to opium (OR: 3.08, CI95% 1.20-7.92) and age (OR: 1.11 CI95% 1.03-1.20) were significantly related to vertebral bone loss. Conclusion: Opium addicted patients were more susceptible to bone loss than non-addicted individuals. So, early screening and conducting prevention programs should be taken into consideration for this high risk group.