Rapid Detoxification of the Narcotic Addict With Naloxone Hydrochloride

Abstract

Parenteral (0.2--2.0 mg) and oral (500 mg) doses of naloxone hydrochloride were administered to 29 parolees showing evidence of increasing opiate use while participating in an aftercare abstinence program. The naloxone was found to be capable of inducing withdrawal symptoms, the intensity of which being a function of the amount of naloxone administered and of the level of physical dependence. Some patients (38%) showed a "detoxification effect" characterized by a positive abstinence reaction to initial naloxone administrations but a negative reaction to subsequent administrations. All of the 29 subjects, however, returned to illicit heroin use within several days following their release from the treatment unit. the potential of naloxone as a rapid detoxification tool is discussed in counterpoint to the apparent lack of potential the procedure has as a means of attenuating opiate-seeking behavior.