NCJ Number
196559
Journal
American Journal on Addictions Volume: 11 Issue: 1 Dated: Winter 2002 Pages: 52-56
Date Published
2002
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This study examined the outcomes of naltrexone maintenance following very rapid opiate detoxification compared with intensive inpatient detoxification.
Abstract
The study sample consisted of all 63 opiate-addicted clients who were referred for detoxification during a 6-month period by the municipal Department of Social Services in a coastal city in southern Israel. Thirty clients who specifically requested it were referred for "ultra rapid opiate detoxification" (UROD). UROD is done in an intensive care unit under general anesthesia with intubation for 6 to 8 hours, using a combination of naltrexone, which blocks opiate receptors, and clonidine, a hemodynamic stabilizer. Patients are medically screened for the risk of anesthesia-related complications. Those who did not request UROD (n=33) were referred to the standard detoxification in Israel, which is a publicly operated 30-day intensive inpatient detoxification program in which clonidine-aided detoxification is done. Both groups had the same counseling in aftercare. Telephone follow-up of 26 of the intensive inpatient detoxification clients and 24 of the UROD clients found no significant difference in relapse rates, with 34 percent of the respondents returning to regular opiate use 13.4 months after detoxification. Thus, naltrexone maintenance and counseling following rapid detoxification may be as effective as intensive inpatient detoxification and counseling. Suggestions for future research in this area are offered. 1 table and 12 references