Cyclazocine in a Multi-Modality Treatment Program: Comparative Results

Abstract

Of 186 narcotics addicts admitted to a hospital ward for withdrawal, 33 volunteered for treatment with cyclazocine. Twenty months later 33% (11) of the patients given cyclazocine were in an abstinence-aftercare treatment, as compared to 8.5% of those not receiving the drug. When all treatment modalities are considered (abstinence-aftercare, therapeutic communities, and methadone maintenance) 57.5% (19) of patients given cyclazocine remained in some form of treatment as compared to 32% of those who did not take cyclazocine. Patient acceptance of cyclazocine was high in spite of frequent side effects. Tolerance developed rapidly and there was no evidence of serious toxicity. Tentatively, cyclazocine appears useful in the treatment of narcotics addicts voluntarily seeking abstinence.