Once we admit that our subjects started using heroin in the pubertal and post-pubertal period, i.e., during formation of sexuality, the destruction of sexuality may be regarded as the result of specific process: incompetent competition of libido (which dominates motivation at this age) with motivation for using heroin. The specific character of this pathology consists in that heroin intoxication first only becomes an element of the forming stereotype of erotic-sexual behavior, but soon it displaces completely the erotic component from behavior of an addicted individual. The competing relations between eroticism and drug addiction are shown in Fig. 3.

Fig. 3. Formation of dependent behavior of heroin addicts in competition with sexuality.

Motivation for heroin use (in red) is first closely connected with motives oriented at realization of libido (1). As postulated in the theory of functional systems, these are the triggering stimuli.
Platonic, erotic, and sexual emotions in the state of heroin intoxication depreciate erotic and sexual behavior as the source of great pleasure because the psychosomatic action of the drug reduces the level of satisfaction during coitus and orgasm. A simplified system of attitude to eroticism and sexuality thus forms in an addict, and the motive for heroin use strengthens instead. The subject develops these attitudes as a result of the so-called central integration processes, the essence of which consists in association of the subject with a group of his or her addict-mates (discussion aimed at digesting rules and standards is the mechanism of central integration). The patient finally becomes addicted to the drug - line (4); he or she may form a couple with another addict (3), or part from the other individual in the existing couple who does not use heroin (5).
Use of heroin (6) in a pathological functional system is an intermediate result, which simultaneously acts as a triggering mechanism. This does not contradict the theory: the result of action is the backbone system-forming factor. In our case, the result includes the absence of reproduction in the social group of drug addicts and their elimination from population (9) owing to low percentage of married couples and the low reproduction level, and also because of high morbidity of AIDS and other diseases transmitted by genital contacts.

Competition between sexuality and the pathological biosocial system is also manifested by the damaged mechanism of feedback and prognostication (the so-called action acceptor). Patients with the disease in the pronounced stage become desolated: their relations with other people based on platonic, erotic, and sexual motives break down.

What has been said above, may be used to work out special programs for psychotherapy and sex education aimed at rendering more effective aid to heroin addicts during their rehabilitation. In a more general case, such program may include three stages (as can be seen from Table 2). The program can be aimed at supporting sexuality in its competition with dependent behavior.