Similar efficacy of abrupt and gradual opiate detoxification

Abstract

A study comparing abrupt and gradual opiate detoxification which identified the efficacy by means of computer-assisted pupilometry and rating of withdrawal distress is presented. This paper concentrates on the efficacies of these two detoxification modes with regard to the identical results after successful opiate detoxification treatment. The findings of the present investigation support the hypothesis that withdrawal distress returns to a normal level after rapid naloxone withdrawal treatment within 6 days. Similar results can be seen for inpatient methadone withdrawal after 3 weeks of treatment. These results indicate that by rapid detoxification therapy, the time of withdrawal can be effectively shortened. Considering the low dropout rate and the high degree of acceptance during rapid detoxification, the rapid detoxification regimen is an effective and economic alternative to gradual withdrawal treatments.