title: Self-detoxification by opiate addicts. A preliminary investigation.
abstract: A study of 50 opiate addicts attending a London service for treatment of drug dependence found that 47 subjects had previously made at least one attempt at self-detoxification. These subjects reported 212 previous attempts. Although 30 subjects reported having managed to complete at least one attempt, the success rate per episode was low (24%). One of the most commonly reported methods, used by 28 subjects, involved an abrupt cessation of opiates ('cold turkey'). Of the drugs used in their attempts at self-detoxification, benzodiazepines were reported by 24 subjects and opiates by 20. Practical strategies such as distraction and avoidance were also used. Self-help detoxification materials for opiate addicts might be useful.
authors.affiliation: Drug Dependence Clinical Research and Treatment Unit, Maudsley Hospital, Beckenham, Kent.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Gossop
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Battersby
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Strang
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D003932:Heroin / Q000009:adverse effects; D006556:Heroin Dependence / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009294:Narcotics / Q000009:adverse effects; D009293:Opioid-Related Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D012075:Remission, Spontaneous; D012648:Self Care / Q000523:psychology*; D016320:Substance Abuse Treatment Centers; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation
chemical_list: D009294:Narcotics; D003932:Heroin