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Ultra-rapid opiate detoxification in hospital

Drug and Alcohol Service, Brookfields Hospital, Cambridge CB1 3DF;

Eddi Paul, Charge Nurse

Fulbourn Hospital, Cambridge CB1 5EF;

Ioanna Gkolia, Honorary Psychiatrist

Brookfields Hospital

^* Correspondence

Aims and method To evaluate ultra-rapid opiate detoxification under sedation. Symptom control was analysed in the first 12 hours of detoxification in 20 patients and case notes were examined 12 weeks later for outcome.

Results Good symptom control was achieved, except for restlessness. At 12 weeks 25% patients were abstinent.

Clinical implications While long-term outcome is similar to conventional methadone detoxification, the ultra-rapid technique is safe, more acceptable to patients and more cost-effective.