“…Follow-up studies have found that this risk continues for many years after the diagnosis of heroin dependence is made (Bargagli, Sperati, Davoli, Forastiere, & Perucci, 2001;Goldstein & Herrera, 1995;Haastrup & Jepsen, 1984;Hser, Anglin, & Power, 1993;Sanchez et al, 1995), indicating that heroin dependence may be regarded as a chronic condition. In fact, opioid addiction is currently defined as a bchronic, relapsing disorder Q (Dole & Nyswander, 1967;Leshner, 1998;McLellan, Lewis, O'Brien, & Kleber, 2000).…”