We aimed to examine hemoglobin (HGB), hematocrit (HCT), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean cell hemoglobin concentration, red blood cell count (RBC), platelet count (PLT), ferritin, vitamin B12, and folic acid levels in heroin addicts by comparing them with healthy controls.

This study included a total of 325 patients with only heroin use; and 163 healthy individuals. Participants, who had hematological disorders and other chronic diseases, were excluded from the study. HGB, HCT, MCV, mean cell hemoglobin concentration, RBC, PLT, ferritin, vitamin B12, and folic acid levels were compared between groups.

The patient group comprised of 318 males and 7 females with the mean age of 26.39±6.18 years. There was no significant difference between patient and control group in terms of age, sex, body mass index and alcohol consumption. HGB, HCT, folic acid levels, and RBC were lower in the patient group than control. There was no significant correlation among HGB, HCT, RBC, PLT, and the sociodemographic characteristics of patients.

The effects of heroin on the hematological parameter should be considered. Heroin effects on HGB, HTC, RBC, and folic acid may tend to decrease. Prospective, longitudinal studies, and studies involving intoxication-remission periods are needed.