NCJ Number
195634
Journal
Drug and Alcohol Review Volume: 21 Issue: 1 Dated: March 2002 Pages: 39-45
Date Published
March 2002
Length
7 pages
Annotation
The research presented in this article discusses the use of an out-patient buprenorphine regime in managing heroin withdrawal.
Abstract
This article presents a study of the use of buprenorphine in managing the withdrawal process of 18 out-patient heroin addicts. While buprenorphine has been used with promising results in inpatient settings to help patients alleviate the symptoms of opiate withdrawal, this study suggests that buprenorphine has utility in out-patient settings as well. Eighteen heroin users from a Melbourne, Australia out-patient treatment service were recruited in this study. Fifteen addicts completed the 5-day regime of buprenorphine dosing, and 14 addicts completed the entire 8-day withdrawal episode. Analysis of withdrawal severity indicated that subjects generally reported minimal withdrawal discomfort throughout the 8-day withdrawal episode. Rebounding upon cessation of buprenorphine dosing was minimal. This author concludes that buprenorphine should be used in the management of out-patient heroin withdrawal. 3 Tables, 1 figure, and 29 references