Self-detoxification by opiate addicts. A preliminary investigation

M Gossop; M Battersby; J Strang

doi:10.1192/bjp.159.2.208

Self-detoxification by opiate addicts. A preliminary investigation

M Gossop, M Battersby, J Strang

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

40 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

A study of 50 opiate addicts attending a London service for treatment of drug dependence found that 47 subjects had previously made at least one attempt at self-detoxification. These subjects reported 212 previous attempts. Although 30 subjects reported having managed to complete at least one attempt, the success rate per episode was low (24%). One of the most commonly reported methods, used by 28 subjects, involved an abrupt cessation of opiates ('cold turkey'). Of the drugs used in their attempts at self-detoxification, benzodiazepines were reported by 24 subjects and opiates by 20. Practical strategies such as distraction and avoidance were also used. Self-help detoxification materials for opiate addicts might be useful.

Original language	English
Pages (from-to)	208-12
Number of pages	5
Journal	British Journal of Psychiatry
Volume	159
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1192/bjp.159.2.208
Publication status	Published - Aug 1991

Keywords

Adult
Female
Heroin
Heroin Dependence
Humans
Male
Narcotics
Opioid-Related Disorders
Remission, Spontaneous
Self Care
Substance Abuse Treatment Centers
Substance Withdrawal Syndrome

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

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10.1192/bjp.159.2.208

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abstract = "A study of 50 opiate addicts attending a London service for treatment of drug dependence found that 47 subjects had previously made at least one attempt at self-detoxification. These subjects reported 212 previous attempts. Although 30 subjects reported having managed to complete at least one attempt, the success rate per episode was low (24%). One of the most commonly reported methods, used by 28 subjects, involved an abrupt cessation of opiates ('cold turkey'). Of the drugs used in their attempts at self-detoxification, benzodiazepines were reported by 24 subjects and opiates by 20. Practical strategies such as distraction and avoidance were also used. Self-help detoxification materials for opiate addicts might be useful.",

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author = "M Gossop and M Battersby and J Strang",

year = "1991",

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T1 - Self-detoxification by opiate addicts. A preliminary investigation

AU - Gossop, M

AU - Battersby, M

AU - Strang, J

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N2 - A study of 50 opiate addicts attending a London service for treatment of drug dependence found that 47 subjects had previously made at least one attempt at self-detoxification. These subjects reported 212 previous attempts. Although 30 subjects reported having managed to complete at least one attempt, the success rate per episode was low (24%). One of the most commonly reported methods, used by 28 subjects, involved an abrupt cessation of opiates ('cold turkey'). Of the drugs used in their attempts at self-detoxification, benzodiazepines were reported by 24 subjects and opiates by 20. Practical strategies such as distraction and avoidance were also used. Self-help detoxification materials for opiate addicts might be useful.

AB - A study of 50 opiate addicts attending a London service for treatment of drug dependence found that 47 subjects had previously made at least one attempt at self-detoxification. These subjects reported 212 previous attempts. Although 30 subjects reported having managed to complete at least one attempt, the success rate per episode was low (24%). One of the most commonly reported methods, used by 28 subjects, involved an abrupt cessation of opiates ('cold turkey'). Of the drugs used in their attempts at self-detoxification, benzodiazepines were reported by 24 subjects and opiates by 20. Practical strategies such as distraction and avoidance were also used. Self-help detoxification materials for opiate addicts might be useful.

KW - Adult

KW - Female

KW - Heroin

KW - Heroin Dependence

KW - Humans

KW - Male

KW - Narcotics

KW - Opioid-Related Disorders

KW - Remission, Spontaneous

KW - Self Care

KW - Substance Abuse Treatment Centers

KW - Substance Withdrawal Syndrome

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DO - 10.1192/bjp.159.2.208

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EP - 212

JO - British Journal of Psychiatry

JF - British Journal of Psychiatry

ER -

Self-detoxification by opiate addicts. A preliminary investigation

Abstract

Keywords

UN SDGs

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