A comparative naturalistic study on opiates withdrawal

Aims The effectiveness of locally newly introduced methadone-supported heroin withdrawal was evaluated under naturalistic conditions. Design The corresponding data of 35 patients were compared with data of 31 patients hospitalized in the same setting 3 years ago who were mostly prescribed sedatives (neuroleptics and benzodiazepines) during their heroin withdrawal. Findings No significant differences between the groups were found with regard to the irregular treatment termination, relapse frequency and clinical global impressions ratings. In one month post-discharge period frequent abuse of heroin decreased in both groups; in the nonmethadone group, frequent abuse of cocaine and alcohol was also reduced. The sedatives-supported heroin withdrawal group showed more distress initially followed by a rapid amelioration; in the methadone group there was less distress initially but the patients did not feel much better on day 10. Conclusions Methadone-supported heroin withdrawal lasts longer and we failed to demonstrate its advantage over traditional (neuroleptics- and benzodiazepines-supported) withdrawal except for less subjective distress at the withdrawal beginning.