Fortschritte der Neurologie-Psychiatrie
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Fortschr Neurol Psychiatr · Jan 2004
Clinical Trial[Is premature termination of opiate detoxification due to intensive withdrawal or craving?].
Opiate addicts terminate inpatient detoxification prematurely in about 50% of treatment episodes. Premature termination of treatment is often considered to be motivated by intensive withdrawal symptoms. ⋯ However, during the days preceding treatment termination, these patients did not differ from regularly detoxified patients assessed on corresponding days with respect to craving, and reported even less intensity of withdrawal symptoms. In conclusion, neither the intensity of withdrawal symptoms nor the intensity of heroin craving constitutes the primary reason for premature termination of detoxification.