Inpatient Withdrawal Treatment Research Articles

Goals and Reasons for Entering Inpatient Withdrawal Treatment, and Perceptions of Help Received

Objective Abstinence has been the primary treatment goal for alcohol and other drug (AOD) users attending withdrawal treatment. However, other outcomes including harm reduction have also been identified. This observational study aimed to describe participants’ goals and reasons for seeking inpatient withdrawal treatment and compare the needs of clients with comorbid mental health problems and those without. Methods Participants completed questionnaires at intake and discharge. Questionnaires assessed reasons for entering withdrawal treatment, goals, comorbidity, and perceived help received. Results The sample comprised 1746 participants (69.4% male). Participants endorsed diverse reasons for entering withdrawal treatment. The most and least endorsed reasons were “stop using” (97.9%) and “legal reasons” (43.1%). Comorbidity groups varied significantly in their endorsement of reasons for mental health, physical health, harm reduction, financial, and legal. Conclusion AOD users enter withdrawal treatment with a variety of reasons and goals including harm reduction. Variations in rates of endorsement highlight the importance of identifying individual needs dependent on mental health comorbidity.

A narrative review of outcome measures used in drug and alcohol inpatient withdrawal treatment research.

Assessing drug and alcohol inpatient withdrawal treatment programs is important, as these represent a first step of treatment among people with alcohol and drug problems. However, there are many ways of measuring outcomes making it difficult for service providers to decide which domains and methods to use. This narrative review aims to clarify frequencies of the domains and methods used to assess withdrawal treatment outcomes. We reviewed published studies that examined outcomes of inpatient drug and alcohol withdrawal treatment. The types of outcome measures used and the frequency of use were summarised. The review showed that assessment of withdrawal treatment outcomes goes beyond traditional abstinence measures. Outcomes mainly focus on biological and psychological outcomes, with social outcomes rarely measured. Even within outcome domains (e.g., cravings), there were many assessment methods. The review provides service providers with an outline of common outcome domains and measures. Given the importance of social functioning to recovery from alcohol and drug problems, greater emphasis on such measures is desirable. Future research could develop greater consensus on outcome measures for use in withdrawal management services to facilitate clarity around factors associated with treatment success. Outcome assessment in withdrawal treatment goes beyond abstinence to include holistic measurement of biological, psychological and some social outcomes; but more work needs to be done to cohere the different assessment methods and broaden the scope to include social functioning.

Referral to aftercare following inpatient withdrawal treatment and readmission: retrospective chart review of patients with substance use disorders.

Aftercare following inpatient withdrawal treatment improves the prognosis and prevents future readmissions in patients with substance use disorders. According to the stepped care approach, the setting and intensity of aftercare should be adjusted to the patients' specific needs and resources. This study evaluated the real-life referral to different types of aftercare in Switzerland and the rate of inpatient readmission within a 1-year follow-up. All substance use disorder patients admitted for inpatient withdrawal treatment in a Swiss psychiatric hospital between January and December 2016 (n = 497) were included in this retrospective study. Clinical and sociodemographic characteristics were extracted from the electronic medical records and their impact on the likelihood of being referred to a particular type of aftercare (general practitioner, psychiatric outpatient care, psychiatric day clinic, inpatient rehabilitation programme) was evaluated. For each type of referral, we determined the readmission rate within one year after discharge. In the sample of substance use disorder patients (mean age 41 years; 69% male), alcohol use disorder was by far the most frequent substance use disorder. Most patients were referred to psychiatric outpatient care (39.8%), followed by a general practitioner (31.0%), inpatient rehabilitation (19.3%) and psychiatric day clinic (9.9%). Patient characteristics that point to an unfavourable course of disease, including higher symptom severity, history of more than two previous admissions, compulsory admission and treatment discontinuation, were associated with a higher likelihood to be referred to lower-level aftercare (general practitioner, psychiatric outpatient care), whereas patients with lower symptom severity, fewer than two previous admissions, voluntary admission and regular discharge were more likely to be referred to high-intensity aftercare (psychiatric day clinic, inpatient rehabilitation). The readmission rate after one year did not differ between the different settings of aftercare (range 40.4-42.9%). The findings of this study suggest that patients suffering from severe substance use disorders and/or from an unfavourable course of disease who would benefit from a more intensive aftercare setting, such as psychiatric day clinics or inpatient rehabilitation programs, might be under-treated, whereas patients with a rather favourable prognosis might similarly benefit from a less intensive treatment setting, such as psychiatric outpatient care. Regarding the comparable readmission rates, we recommend considering more efficient resource management by promoting stepped care approaches for substance use disorders and establishing standardised placement criteria in Switzerland.

Alcohol use in the year following approach bias modification during inpatient withdrawal: secondary outcomes from a double-blind, multi-site randomized controlled trial.

Approach bias modification (ApBM) targeting alcohol approach bias has been previously shown to reduce likelihood of relapse during the first 2 weeks following inpatient withdrawal treatment (IWT). We tested whether ApBM's effects endure for a longer period by analysing alcohol use outcomes 3, 6 and 12 months post-discharge. A double-blind, sham-controlled randomized controlled trial. Four IWT units in Melbourne, Australia. Three hundred alcohol IWT patients (173 men, 126 women, 1 non-binary; mean age 43.5years) were recruited between 4 June 2017 and 14 July 2019. Follow-up data collection was completed on 22 September 2020. Four ApBM sessions were delivered during IWT. ApBM trained participants (n= 147) to avoid alcohol and approach non-alcohol beverage cues. Controls (n= 153) responded to the same stimuli, but without approach/avoidance training. Date of first lapse was recorded for non-abstinent participants to determine time to first lapse. Time-line follow-back interviews assessed past-month alcohol consumption at each follow-up, with participants reporting no alcohol consumption classified as abstinent. In analyses of past-month abstinence, non-abstinence was assumed in participants lost to follow-up. Number of past-month drinking days, standard drinks and heavy drinking days (five or more standard drinks for women or non-binary; six or more standard drinks for men) were calculated for non-abstinent participants at each follow-up. ApBM significantly delayed time to first lapse [ApBM median: 53 days, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 21-61; controls = 12 days, 95% CI =9-21, P= 0.045]. Past-month abstinence rates at 3-, 6- and 12-month follow-ups were 33/153 (21.6%), 30/153 (19.6%), and 24/153 (15.7%) in controls; and 51/147 (34.7%), 30/147 (20.4%) and 29/147 (19.7%) in the ApBM group, respectively. Past-month abstinence was significantly more likely in ApBM participants than controls at the 3-month follow-up [odds ratio (OR) =1.93, 95% CI =1.16-3.23, P= 0.012], but not at 6- or 12-month follow-ups (6-month OR =1.05, 95% CI =0.60-1.95, P= 0.862; 12-month OR =1.32, 95% CI =0.73-2.40, P= 0.360). No significant group differences were found for indices of alcohol consumption in non-abstinent participants. Approach bias modification for alcohol delivered during inpatient withdrawal treatment helps to prevent relapse, increasing rates of abstinence from alcohol for at least 3months post-discharge.

Pushing or Pulling Your "Poison": Clinical Correlates of Alcohol Approach and Avoidance Bias Among Inpatients Undergoing Alcohol Withdrawal Treatment.

Introduction: Alcohol approach bias, the tendency to automatically move toward alcohol cues, has been observed in people who drink heavily. However, surprisingly, some alcohol-dependent patients demonstrate an alcohol avoidance bias. This inconsistency could be explained by the clinical or demographic profile of the population studied, yet this has not been examined in approach bias modification (ABM) trials to date. We aimed to determine the proportion of patients with an approach or avoidance bias, assess whether they differ on demographic and drinking measures, and to examine the clinical correlates of approach bias.Method: These research questions were addressed using baseline data from 268 alcohol-dependent patients undergoing inpatient withdrawal treatment who then went on to participate in a trial of ABM.Results: At trial entry (day 3 or 4 of inpatient withdrawal), 155 (57.8%) had an alcohol approach bias and 113 (42.2%) had an avoidance bias. These two groups did not differ on any demographic or relevant drinking measures. Approach bias was significantly and moderately associated with total standard drinks consumed in the past 30 days (r = 0.277, p = 0.001) but no other indices of alcohol consumption or problem severity.Conclusion: Whilst the majority of alcohol-dependent patients showed an alcohol approach bias, those with an avoidance bias did not differ in demographic or clinical characteristics, and the strength of approach bias related only to recent consumption. Further research is needed to develop more accurate and personally tailored measures of approach bias, as these findings likely reflect the poor reliability of standard approach bias measures.

Effect of Cognitive Bias Modification on Early Relapse Among Adults Undergoing Inpatient Alcohol Withdrawal Treatment

More than half of patients with alcohol use disorder who receive inpatient withdrawal treatment relapse within weeks of discharge, hampering subsequent uptake and effectiveness of psychological and pharmacologic interventions. Cognitive bias modification (CBM) improves outcomes after alcohol rehabilitation, but the efficacy of delivering CBM during withdrawal treatment has not yet been established. To test the hypothesis that CBM would increase the likelihood of abstaining from alcohol during the 2 weeks following discharge from inpatient withdrawal treatment. In a randomized clinical trial, 950 patients in 4 inpatient withdrawal units in Melbourne, Australia, were screened for eligibility between June 4, 2017, and July 14, 2019, to receive CBM or sham treatment. Patients with moderate or severe alcohol use disorder aged 18 to 65 years who had no neurologic illness or traumatic brain injury were eligible. Two-week follow-up, conducted by researchers blinded to the participant's condition, was the primary end point. Both per-protocol and intention-to-treat analysis were conducted. Randomized to 4 consecutive daily sessions of CBM designed to reduce alcohol approach bias or sham training not designed to modify approach bias. Primary outcome was abstinence assessed using a timeline followback interview. Participants were classified as abstinent (no alcohol use in the first 14 days following discharge) or relapsed (any alcohol use during the first 14 days following discharge or lost to follow-up). Of the 950 patients screened for eligibility, 338 did not meet inclusion criteria, 108 were discharged before being approached, and 192 refused. Of the 312 patients who consented (referred sample), 12 withdrew before being randomized. In the final population of 300 randomized patients (CBM, n = 147; sham, n = 153), 248 completed the intervention and 272 completed the follow-up. Of the 300 participants (173 [57.7%] men; mean [SD] age, 43.47 [10.43] years), 7 patients (3 controls, 4 CBM) withdrew after finding the training uncomfortable. Abstinence rates were 42.5% (95% CI, 34.3%-50.6%) in controls and 54.4% (95% CI, 46.0%-62.8%) in CBM participants, yielding an 11.9% (95% CI, 0.04%-23.8%; P = .04) difference in abstinence rates. In a per-protocol analysis including only those who completed 4 sessions of training and the follow-up, the difference in abstinence rate between groups was 17.0% (95% CI, 3.8%-30.2%; P = .008). The findings of this clinical trial support the efficacy of CBM for treatment of alcohol use disorder. Being safe and easy to implement, requiring only a computer and joystick, and needing no specialist staff/training, CBM could be routinely offered as an adjunctive intervention during withdrawal treatment to optimize outcomes. Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry Identifier: ACTRN12617001241325.

Classical blood biomarkers identify patients with higher risk for relapse 6\xa0months after alcohol withdrawal treatment

This naturalistic study among patients with alcohol dependence examined whether routine blood biomarkers could help to identify patients with high risk for relapse after withdrawal treatment. In a longitudinal study with 6-month follow-up among 133 patients with alcohol dependence who received inpatient alcohol withdrawal treatment, we investigated the usefulness of routine blood biomarkers and clinical and sociodemographic factors for potential outcome prediction and risk stratification. Baseline routine blood biomarkers (gamma-glutamyl transferase [GGT], alanine aminotransferase [ALT/GPT], aspartate aminotransferase [AST/GOT], mean cell volume of erythrocytes [MCV]), and clinical and sociodemographic characteristics were recorded at admission. Standardized 6 months’ follow-up assessed outcome variables continuous abstinence, days of continuous abstinence, daily alcohol consumption and current abstinence. The combined threshold criterion of an AST:ALT ratio > 1.00 and MCV > 90.0 fl helped to identify high-risk patients. They had lower abstinence rates (P = 0.001), higher rates of daily alcohol consumption (P < 0.001) and shorter periods of continuous abstinence (P = 0.027) compared with low-risk patients who did not meet the threshold criterion. Regression analysis confirmed our hypothesis that the combination criterion is an individual baseline variable that significantly predicted parts of the respective outcome variances. Routinely assessed indirect alcohol biomarkers help to identify patients with high risk for relapse after alcohol withdrawal treatment. Clinical decision algorithms to identify patients with high risk for relapse after alcohol withdrawal treatment could include classical blood biomarkers in addition to clinical and sociodemographic items.

Crossed Eye/Hand Laterality and Left-Eyedness Predict a Positive 24-Month Outcome in Alcohol-Dependent Patients.

Available predictors of hospital readmission following withdrawal in alcohol-dependent patients are limited. However, such parameters are needed to optimize individualized treatment strategies. This study investigated whether crossed eye/hand laterality, eyedness, and handedness may predict outcomes in alcohol dependence. The prospective study included 200 early-abstinent alcohol-dependent inpatients (n[males]=113, n[females]=87) and 240 control subjects (n[males]=133, n[females]=107). We assessed eyedness and handedness using the hole-in-the-card and Shimizu tests and documented alcohol-related readmissions over 12 and 24months. Crossed eye/hand laterality and left-eyedness were associated with a reduced risk for alcohol-related readmission (12-month: odds ratios [OR]=0.41, p=0.008, OR=0.42, p=0.004; 24-month: OR=0.57, p=0.097, OR=0.47, p=0.016), fewer median readmissions (12-month: 0 vs. 1, p=0.005, 0 vs. 1, p=0.005; 24-month: 1 vs. 2, p=0.014, 1 vs. 2, p=0.006), and more mean days to the first readmission (12-month: 270 vs. 209, p=0.007, 269 vs. 207, p=0.003; 24-month: 462 vs. 335, p=0.039, 461 vs. 323, p=0.005). They also interacted with treatment and alcohol drinking history to predict the outcome. In sex-specific analyses, most of these effects remained significant in males but not in females. Handedness alone did not significantly predict outcome. Moreover, the laterality markers did not significantly differ between alcohol-dependent patients and control subjects. Determining crossed eye/hand laterality and eyedness may help to individualize relapse prevention in the future. Both are easily accessible predictors of alcohol-related readmission following inpatient withdrawal treatment.

Treatment of Unhealthy Alcohol Use

Unhealthy alcohol use represents the fifth leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally, and the first leading cause among persons 18 to 45 years of age. Despite the global impact of unhealthy alcohol use, the adoption of evidence-based treatments has been sluggish. Behavioral strategies for lower level drinking include the brief motivational interview, designed to be within the scope of any healthcare provider, and more specialist-driven approaches for those with alcohol use disorder (AUD) such as cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational enhancement therapy. Benzodiazepines remain the mainstay treatment for inpatient alcohol withdrawal treatment, whereas other medications have similar efficacy in managing patients in the outpatient setting with milder forms of withdrawal. For maintenance treatment of AUD, four FDA-approved medications exist, with efficacy in treating AUD, as well as several non–FDA-approved medications that have been found to be effective in promoting abstinence and reducing drinking. The use of medication to treat many patients with AUD falls within the scope of primary care providers. This review contains 6 tables and 54 references. Key Words: addiction, alcohol, counseling, drinking, pharmacotherapy, primary care, psychotherapy, relapse, treatment

Treatment of Unhealthy Alcohol Use

Unhealthy alcohol use represents the fifth leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally, and the first leading cause among persons 18 to 45 years of age. Despite the global impact of unhealthy alcohol use, the adoption of evidence-based treatments has been sluggish. Behavioral strategies for lower level drinking include the brief motivational interview, designed to be within the scope of any healthcare provider, and more specialist-driven approaches for those with alcohol use disorder (AUD) such as cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational enhancement therapy. Benzodiazepines remain the mainstay treatment for inpatient alcohol withdrawal treatment, whereas other medications have similar efficacy in managing patients in the outpatient setting with milder forms of withdrawal. For maintenance treatment of AUD, four FDA-approved medications exist, with efficacy in treating AUD, as well as several non–FDA-approved medications that have been found to be effective in promoting abstinence and reducing drinking. The use of medication to treat many patients with AUD falls within the scope of primary care providers. This review contains 6 tables and 54 references. Key Words: addiction, alcohol, counseling, drinking, pharmacotherapy, primary care, psychotherapy, relapse, treatment

Treatment of Unhealthy Alcohol Use

Unhealthy alcohol use represents the fifth leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally, and the first leading cause among persons 18 to 45 years of age. Despite the global impact of unhealthy alcohol use, the adoption of evidence-based treatments has been sluggish. Behavioral strategies for lower level drinking include the brief motivational interview, designed to be within the scope of any healthcare provider, and more specialist-driven approaches for those with alcohol use disorder (AUD) such as cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational enhancement therapy. Benzodiazepines remain the mainstay treatment for inpatient alcohol withdrawal treatment, whereas other medications have similar efficacy in managing patients in the outpatient setting with milder forms of withdrawal. For maintenance treatment of AUD, four FDA-approved medications exist, with efficacy in treating AUD, as well as several non–FDA-approved medications that have been found to be effective in promoting abstinence and reducing drinking. The use of medication to treat many patients with AUD falls within the scope of primary care providers. This review contains 6 tables and 54 references. Key Words: addiction, alcohol, counseling, drinking, pharmacotherapy, primary care, psychotherapy, relapse, treatment

Estrogen receptor 1 gene variants and estradiol activities in alcohol dependence

ObjectiveAlcohol use disorders inflict a great individual and societal burden. Although sex hormone effects have been implicated in alcohol dependence, research has mostly neglected estrogen activities and female alcohol-dependent patients. Here, we investigated associations of estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1) genetics and serum estradiol activities with aspects of alcohol dependence. MethodSerum estradiol activities of early-abstinent alcohol-dependent in-patients (n[♂] = 113, n[♀] = 87) were followed for at median 5 days and compared with healthy controls (n[♂] = 133, n[♀] = 107). All participants were genotyped for five ESR1 single nucleotide polymorphisms (rs6902771, rs11155819, rs6557171, rs2982683, rs2982712). ResultsBioavailable estradiol levels decreased during withdrawal treatment (P[♂] < .001, P[♀] = .011). Male patients with an increase of bioavailable estradiol during withdrawal showed fewer days to (P = .033) and more alcohol-related readmissions (P < .05) during the 12-month follow-up. Higher estradiol and estradiol-to-testosterone activities were significantly related to liver, muscle, and cell count damage in male patients. Estradiol-to-testosterone activities in female patients were lower compared to female controls (total P = .013, bioavailable P = .009). Moreover, the ESR1 genotypes jointly separated alcohol-dependent patients from controls (P = .037). ConclusionOur findings support the role of ESR1 genetics in alcohol dependence and show for the first time that estradiol activities may sex-specifically predict alcohol-related sequelae and outcome following in-patient withdrawal treatment.

Body mass index and craving predict 24-month hospital readmissions of alcohol-dependent in-patients following withdrawal

ObjectiveAddictive alcohol drinking, craving, and overeating share common etiopathological mechanisms. We investigated whether body mass index (BMI) and craving predict outcome of alcohol-dependent in-patients. MethodThe prospective study included 101 male and 72 female early-abstinent alcohol-dependent in-patients. Craving was quantified by Obsessive-Compulsive Drinking Scale (OCDS) scores. We documented alcohol-related readmissions over 24 months. ResultsIn males, a higher BMI was associated with alcohol-related hospital readmission (median 26.1 vs. 23.1 kg/m2, P = .007) and correlated with more (ρ = 0.286, P = .004) and earlier readmissions (ρ = −0.256, P = .010). These associations were stronger in the subgroup of active smokers (n = 79; median 25.9 vs. 22.3 kg/m2, P = .005; ρ = 0.350, P = .002; ρ = −0.340, P = .002). BMI did not significantly predict outcome in females. Males with at least one readmission reported higher OCDS scores than those without (OCDS-total, OCDS-obsessive, OCDS-compulsive, P < .040), and the OCDS scores correlated with more readmissions (males: OCDS-total, OCDS-obsessive, OCDS-compulsive, ρ > 0.244, P < .014; females: OCDS-compulsive, ρ = 0.341, P = .003) and fewer days to first readmission (males: OCDS-total, OCDS-compulsive, ρ < −0.195, P < .050; females: OCDS-compulsive, ρ = −0.335, P = .004). The OCDS scores explained 9 to 19% of the relationship between BMI and outcome in males. ConclusionBMI and craving are easily accessible outcome predictors of alcohol-related readmission following in-patient withdrawal treatment. They might be used to individualize relapse prevention in the future.

Primary psychopathic traits are associated with reduced subjective and cortical reactivity to unpleasant emotional movies

Addictive alcohol drinking, craving, and overeating share common etiopathological mechanisms. We investigated whether body mass index (BMI) and craving predict outcome of alcohol-dependent in-patients.The prospective study included 101 male and 72 female early-abstinent alcohol-dependent in-patients. Craving was quantified by Obsessive-Compulsive Drinking Scale (OCDS) scores. We documented alcohol-related readmissions over 24 months.In males, a higher BMI was associated with alcohol-related hospital readmission (median 26.1 vs. 23.1 kg/m2, P = .007) and correlated with more (ρ = 0.286, P = .004) and earlier readmissions (ρ = −0.256, P = .010). These associations were stronger in the subgroup of active smokers (n = 79; median 25.9 vs. 22.3 kg/m2, P = .005; ρ = 0.350, P = .002; ρ = −0.340, P = .002). BMI did not significantly predict outcome in females. Males with at least one readmission reported higher OCDS scores than those without (OCDS-total, OCDS-obsessive, OCDS-compulsive, P < .040), and the OCDS scores correlated with more readmissions (males: OCDS-total, OCDS-obsessive, OCDS-compulsive, ρ > 0.244, P < .014; females: OCDS-compulsive, ρ = 0.341, P = .003) and fewer days to first readmission (males: OCDS-total, OCDS-compulsive, ρ < −0.195, P < .050; females: OCDS-compulsive, ρ = −0.335, P = .004). The OCDS scores explained 9 to 19% of the relationship between BMI and outcome in males.BMI and craving are easily accessible outcome predictors of alcohol-related readmission following in-patient withdrawal treatment. They might be used to individualize relapse prevention in the future.

Religiosity, Guilt, Altruism and Forgiveness in Alcohol Dependence: Results of a Cross-sectional and Prospective Cohort Study.

To compare religious denomination, religiosity, guilt, altruism and forgiveness between alcohol-dependent patients and healthy control subjects and to prospectively investigate their relationship to the disorder's 24-month course following in-patient withdrawal treatment. This study in Franconia (a mainly Christian protestant region of southern Germany) applied six questionnaires to evaluate religiosity, guilt, altruism and forgiveness in 166 alcohol-dependent in-patients during withdrawal and compared findings with that of 240 healthy controls. Compared to controls religious denomination was more frequently reported by the patients (OR = 1.72, P = 0.014) and patients showed higher guilt (P < 0.001). The subjective attainability of altruism was lower in patients than in controls (P = 0.015). Higher scores on scale of inter-religious private practice predicted earlier (Rho = -0.184, P = 0.021) and more frequent alcohol-related readmissions during the follow-up (Rho = 0.207, P = 0.009). Higher religious affiliation was related to earlier (Rho = -0.214, P = 0.008) and more frequent alcohol-related readmissions (Rho = 0189, P = 0.020). Lower values of subjective attainability of altruism predicted a worse outcome (earlier [Rho = 0.231, P = 0.003] and more frequent readmissions [Rho = -0.223, P = 0.004]). The sex-specific analyses show that some of the associations are stronger in women and others are stronger in men; however, these gender differences are small and possibly biased by multiple hypothesis testing. We identified religious denomination, private religious practice, religious affiliation, guilt and reduced attainability of altruism as risk factors for alcohol dependence and a worse follow-up outcome. Our findings may help to establish future preventive and therapeutic strategies.

Sociomedical outcome after outpatient withdrawal treatment: Results of a model project of integrated care

Dependence disorders represent a large socioeconomic problem due to insufficient and delayed diagnostics and treatment. This study investigated the effectiveness of the integrated care concept involving rapid clarification, diagnosis, initiation of withdrawal treatment, transfer to addiction rehabilitation and abstinence. In this prospective observational study 293 patients with dependency disorders were investigated in an outpatient withdrawal treatment concept with respect to the course of the integrated care concept, sociodemographic data and other important variables of addiction. In a 2-year follow-up period abstinence (after t1 = 3, t2 = 12 and t3 = 24 months), referral to and beginning addiction rehabilitation were recorded. All patients completed the outpatient detoxification treatment concept without complications of whom 95.3% were abstinent and 52.9% could be placed in long-term treatment (duration 1 year). The 24-month abstinence (DGSS 4) was high but decreased significantly over time (t1 = 59.4%, t2 = 50.5%, t3 = 39.7%, p<0.001). Placement in a long-term rehabilitation program showed the greatest effect on abstinence (p<0.001), followed by treatment duration (p<0.001). The disease severity (stress index) showed significantly lower negative effects (p<0.01). The integrated care concept is an effective outpatient withdrawal treatment, despite the methodological limitations. Break points in the addiction help system are stabilized and patients can be successfully treated. The results are equivalent to a qualified inpatient withdrawal treatment taking the recommendations of the Federal Medical Council into consideration.

Predictors of dropout from inpatient opioid detoxification with buprenorphine: a chart review.

Inpatient withdrawal treatment (detoxification) is common in opioid dependence, although dropout against medical advice often limits its outcome. This study aimed to assess baseline predictors of dropout from inpatient opioid detoxification with buprenorphine, including age, gender, current substance use, and type of postdetoxification planning. A retrospective hospital chart review was carried out for inpatient standard opioid detoxifications using buprenorphine taper, in a detoxification ward in Malmö, Sweden (N = 122). Thirty-four percent of patients (n = 42) dropped out against medical advice. In multivariate logistic regression, dropout was significantly associated with younger age (OR 0.93 [0.89–0.97]) and negatively predicted by inpatient postdetoxification plan (OR 0.41 [0.18–0.94]), thus favouring an inpatient plan as opposed to outpatient treatment while residing at home. Dropout was unrelated to baseline urine toxicology. In opioid detoxification, patients may benefit from a higher degree of postdetoxification planning, including transition to residential treatment, in order to increase the likelihood of a successful detoxification and treatment entry. Young opioid-dependent patients may need particular attention in the planning of detoxification.

Pharmacokinetics of Indomethacin in Chronic Migraine Patients after Withdrawal from the Overused Combination of Indomethacin, Prochlorperazine and Caffeine

Indomethacin, in combination with prochlorperazine and caffeine (IPC), is often overused by migraine patients who develop medication-overuse headache. Indomethacin clearance is slower in chronic migraine patients overusing IPC combination than in migraine patients only occasionally taking it. The objective of this study was to verify if indomethacin reduced clearance reverted to normal values after withdrawal of the overused IPC combination. Therefore, we repeated the study of indomethacin pharmacokinetics in 9 female chronic migraine patients after 3 months from inpatient withdrawal treatment from IPC combination overuse. The IPC combination (indomethacin 50 mg, prochlorperazine 8 mg, caffeine 150 mg) habitually taken was administered by rectal route to each patient. Blood samples were drawn before dosing and at the following post-dose times: 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 h. Indomethacin concentrations were measured by HPLC method. We found that 4 of 9 patients (group A) who were still overusing the combination and suffering from daily headache had still high indomethacin concentrations after 6 hours, therefore showing a slow elimination of the drug. Instead, in the 5 patients (group B) who had discontinued overuse of IPC combination after withdrawal treatment, indomethacin concentrations after 6 hours were significantly lower than those measured before withdrawal (P < 0.05, Student’s t-test for paired data), and also than those observed in group A (P < 0.05, ANOVA and Newman-Keuls’test). Hence, by suspending IPC abuse indomethacin clearance reverts to normal values and this is associated with an improvement of migraine. Instead, the higher plasma levels of indomethacin in patients who continue IPC abuse do not solve migraine and might support medication-overuse headache.

Medication Overuse Headache: In-Patient Drug Withdrawal. Experience of a Derivation Centre in Argentina (P03.236)

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the usefulness of in-patient drug withdrawal treatment for medication overuse headache (MOH) analyzing medication overuse recurrence and its predisposing factors. Background MOH is a disabling entity of difficult management likely to occur in patients who develop cronic headache. Treatment options include out-patient and in-patient drug withdrawal. Design/Methods: We present a series of 41 consecutive patients admitted to our hospital for MOH (Medication overuse headache). Retrospective review of medical records of patients hospitalized for MOH drug withdrawal between 2005 and 2011, and telephonic follow up. Results: We studied 31 women and 10 men, aged 42.4 ± 9 years. 56.1% had a past medical history positive for headache for at least 10 years; migraine without aura was the most frequent type (73.2%). As a co-morbidity 58.5% had a psychiatric condition. Most frequent drugs of abuse were ergotamine, triptans and combinations (including NSAIDs and opioids). During hospitalization (mean 4.7 days) all patients received intravenous chlorpromazine and 92.7% initiated preventive treatment at discharge. No major adverse reactions were detected during hospitalization. All patients presented headache after discharge (51.2% daily chronic and 48.8% episodic headache). The average follow-up was 27 months. Medication overuse recurrence occurred in 53.7% of patients and it had a positive correlation with chronic headache recurrence (p: 0.00), prior use of ergotamine (p: 0.08) or combination analgesics (p: 0.042). Differences in gender, duration of headache or psychiatric history could not be linked to abuse recurrence rate. Less than 50% of cases attended follow-up consults on a regular basis. Patients with better follow-up programs showed less incidence of overuse recurrence. Conclusions: In-patient treatment for drug withdrawal in patients with MOH represents a safe and valid option but it must be accompanied by a regular follow-up in order to prevent medication overuse recurrence. Disclosure: Dr. Bruno has nothing to disclose. Dr. Negrotto has nothing to disclose. Dr. Arena has nothing to disclose. Dr. Gonzalez Otarula has nothing to disclose. Dr. Goicochea has nothing to disclose. Dr. Bonamico has nothing to disclose. Dr. Leston has nothing to disclose.

Sensitisation of spinal cord pain processing in medication overuse headache involves supraspinal pain control

Medication overuse could interfere with the activity of critical brain regions involved in the supraspinal control of pain signals at the trigeminal and spinal level, leading to a sensitisation phenomenon responsible for chronic pain. We hypothesised that medication-overuse headache (MOH) patients might display abnormal processing of pain stimuli at the spinal level and defective functioning of the diffuse noxious inhibitory controls. We tested 31 MOH patients before (bWT) and after (aWT) standard inpatient withdrawal treatment, 28 episodic migraine (EM) patients and 23 healthy control subjects. We measured the threshold, the area and the temporal summation threshold (TST) of the nociceptive withdrawal reflex before, during and after activation of the diffuse noxious inhibitory controls by means of the cold pressor test. A significantly lower TST was found in both the MOH (bWT and aWT) and the EM patients compared with the controls, and in the MOH patients bWT compared with both the MOH patients aWT and the EM patients. In the MOH bWT patients the cold pressor test induced a TST increase significantly lower than that found in the MOH aWT, EM and control groups. Abnormal spinal cord pain processing and a decrease of the antinociceptive activity of the supraspinal structures in MOH patients can be hypothesised. These abnormalities could, in part, be related to the medication overuse, given that the withdrawal treatment was related to an improvement in the neurophysiological findings.