Outcome and six month follow up of patients after Ultra Rapid Opiate Detoxification (UROD)

Abstract

Objectives: (1) Evaluate the safety and efficacy of Ultra Rapid Opiate Detoxification (UROD); and (2) evaluate six month outcome data of patients choosing this method.

Design: Two center parallel group clinical trial. No grant funding.

Setting: Two academic medical centers.

Participants: Ninety-three men and 27 women, aged 18 to 55 years, with opiate dependency self selected to undergo detoxification.

Interventions: UROD followed by naltrexone maintenance and an aftercare program. UROD and aftercare costs were the responsibility of the patients and/or their significant others.

Main outcomes measure: (1) Completion of UROD as determined by a non reactive response to a naloxone challenge test under anesthesia and non reactive response to naltrexone administration before discharge. (2) Patient outcome as determined at six month follow up of UROD patients' self reported relapse free status confirmed by urine drug screen, significant other reports, and/or therapist reports.

Results: One hundred percent successful detoxification with UROD with low morbidity and no mortality. Relapse data were available for 111/123 procedures performed (90%), with 61/111 patients (55%) with reported relapse free status at the six month follow up interval.

Conclusions: For individuals who are addicted to opioids, the Ultra Rapid Opiate Detoxification method appears to be a viable treatment option.