Comparing Symptoms of Withdrawal, Rapid Detoxi-fication and Detoxification with Clonidine in Drug Dependent Patients

Abstract Background: Considering the fear of drug addicts from hangover symptoms and the costs of withdrawal treatment and their importance in deciding to withdraw, it is helpful to identify various ways of withdrawal and their effects. This study investigated the withdrawal symptoms of two methods of detoxification with clonidine and rapid detoxification of clonidine with naltrexone. Methods: This was a clinical trial study. Patients referred to Shahid Beheshti hospital for narcotic addiction treatment were randomly divided into two groups. Group matching was done based on entry and excluding criteria. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire including questions on the drug abuse and the consumption method, and a questionnaire on the symptoms of opioid withdrawal. Findings: Restlessness, vomiting, feeling sick and significant decrease of diastolic blood pressure was higher in rapid detoxification method group. However, considering background variables, Spearman correlation coefficient showed significant relationship just for lacrimation. Temptation for drug consumption was lower for heavy abusers in rapid detoxification method and in general, those who had higher amount of consumption and were treated by rapid detoxification, experienced less temptation for consumption. Conclusion: Rapid detoxification can be the first level treatment for heavy abusers, because it reduces the temptation for drug consumption and has shorter hospitalization and, as a result, has lower cost. Keyword: Drug abuse, Rapid detoxification, Clonidine detoxification, Withdrawal symptoms.