Evaluation of the 21-Day Outpatient Heroin Detoxification

Abstract

There is a paucity of studies in the literature documenting failure rates of outpatient detoxification from heroin. This study reports on the results of the 21-day ambulatory treatment program at the Miami Veterans Administration Hospital. Heroin users with less than a 2-year history of opiate use must complete the detoxification process within 21 days according to federal regulations. The results of this study indicate 100% “unsuccessful drug rehabilitation” utilizing the 21-day outpatient detoxification treatment modality, a finding similar to studies conducted to evaluate results of inpatient methadone treatment programs.