The use of ascorbic acid and mineral supplements in the detoxification of narcotic addicts.

Abstract

Since its inception in 1968, the San Francisco Drug Treatment Program, Inc., has responded to the mental and physical health needs of narcotic addicts. The search for safer, cost-effective detoxification alternatives grew from the controversial use of methadone and propoxyphene napsylate (Darvon N R) and has led to an exploration of nontraditional methods of detoxification which would address the poor nutritional habits of narcotic addicts. The present pilot study investigated the use of megadoses of ascorbic acid as sodium accurate, multivitamins, and mineral supplements in the treatment of drug withdrawal symptoms. A total of 227 subjects were compared; 30 subjects utilizing the ascorbic detoxification procedure, 186 subjects utilizing symptomatic relief medications,