Rapid Heroin Detoxification Using a Single High Dose of Buprenorphine

Abstract

To test the effect of 32 mg of buprenorphine on the withdrawal process from heroin, 10 street-heroin using subjects were given 32 mg of sublingual buprenorphine, following heroin abstinence of 24 hours. Withdrawal symptoms were monitored during the first few hours, and followed for six days after buprenorphine administration, after which naltrexone (50 mg) was introduced to prevent future heroin use. Nine subjects completed detoxification with negligible withdrawal symptoms and a smooth transition to naltrexone. One subject was excluded from the study due to methadone ingestion prior to experiment. These results strongly suggest that painless detoxification from heroin can be obtained by a single high dose of buprenorphine.