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The British Journal of Psychiatry 159: 208-212 (1991)
© 1991 The Royal College of Psychiatrists

Self-detoxification by opiate addicts. A preliminary investigation

M Gossop, M Battersby and J Strang
Drug Dependence Clinical Research and Treatment Unit, Maudsley Hospital, Beckenham, Kent.

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.




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Psychiatric Bulletin Advances in Psychiatric Treatment All RCPsych Journals
Copyright © 1991 The Royal College of Psychiatrists.