title: Out-patient detoxification of patients addicted to sedative-hypnotics and anxiolytics.
abstract: Due to the risk of seizures and other potentially life threatening complications, it has been accepted practice to detoxify patients addicted to sedative-hypnotics or minor tranquilizers in an in-patient setting. Using the procedures for patient selection and management described below, we have been able to detoxify as out-patients approximately two-thirds of 69 patients who were found to be in need of detoxification. Out-patients experienced no serious complications during or immediately following detoxification and were not significantly less likely than in-patients to complete treatment. We present here some guidelines which will assist practitioners in identifying patients who are appropriate for out-patient detoxification and describe approaches to patient management that have proven effective.
mesh_terms: D000553:Ambulatory Care / Q000379:methods*; D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D010634:Phenobarbital / Q000008:administration & dosage; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation*
chemical_list: D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D010634:Phenobarbital