A comparison of rapid (opioid) detoxification with clonidine-assisted detoxification for heroin-dependent persons

Diane E. Arnold-Reed, PhD; Gary K. Hulse, PhD

doi:10.5055/jom.2005.0007

Authors

Diane E. Arnold-Reed, PhD
Gary K. Hulse, PhD

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5055/jom.2005.0007

Keywords:

rapid opioid detoxification, naloxone/naltrexone, clonidine-assisted withdrawal

Abstract

This study compares two methods of detoxification available to heroin users in Western Australia: clonidine-assisted detoxification (CD) or clonidine-naloxonepre-cipitated withdrawal under sedation (rapid opioid detox-ification [ROD]). Oral naltrexone was made available to all participants following detoxification. Eighty heroin-dependent persons were randomly assigned to either ROD or CD. Most undertaking ROD commenced and completed this treatment. Less than one-third undertaking CD completed this treatment. There was no significant difference in those treated by CD or ROD in subjective assessment of degree or duration of pain, severity of withdrawal and craving, nor was there an increase in the withdrawal sequelae after treatment. Induction of oral naltrexone following ROD was greater, but oral naltrexone compliance levels and abstinence from heroin four weeks following detoxification were similar between ROD and CD groups. The level of patient satisfaction between the two treatments was also similar. The authors discuss why ROD is considered more effective than CD.

Author Biographies

Diane E. Arnold-Reed, PhD

Research Fellow, Unit for Research and Education in Drugs and Alcohol, School of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Australia.

Gary K. Hulse, PhD

Coordinator of Alcohol and Drug Education and Training, Unit for Research and Education in Drugs and Alcohol, School of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Australia.

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