Comparing ultra rapid opiate detoxification with Methadone in recurrent of self-introduced addicted subjects

Background: The common detoxification method is replacement of long effect opiate by short effect opiate and then reducing its amount gradually. More modern method is ultra rapid opiate detoxification (UROD) by opiate antagonists, which is performed by general anesthesia. The advantages of two methods have not been confirmed. This study aimed to compare effectiveness and withdrawal rate in both methods following up to a year.

Methods: 211 self-introduced patients who referred to Farabi hospital for withdrawal were enrolled in this cross sectional study during 2005-06. The patients underwent detoxification after psychiatry screening and addiction confirmation. They divided into two detoxified method groups (110 patients in UROD and 101 Methadone). Recurrent and suspected cases were confirmed or rejected by urinary test and more specific test respectively. Data was collected from available patients profiles and contacting with patients or their relatives and was analyzed using Chi-square & independent sample T-test.

Results: The results showed that addiction recurrent in UROD and Methadone groups was 35.7% and 56.4% respectively (P=0.002). The average age of recurrent subjects in UROD group was younger than successful population at that same group (27.95±5.2 vs. 31.4±7.1 years old, p=0.008).

Conclusion: This study suggested that chance of detoxification and successful withdrawal by UROD method is higher than Methadone method and younger patients are more likely to get the recurrence. It is recommended to compare these two methods in a prospective study by unifying both groups based on age and considering opiate use duration.