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Pharmacological strategies for detoxification

Diaper, Alison M.; Law, Fergus D.; Melichar, Jan K.

Authors

Fergus D. Law

Jan K. Melichar



Abstract

Detoxification refers to the safe discontinuation from a substance of dependence and is distinct from relapse prevention. Detoxification usually takes between a few days and a few weeks to complete, depending on the substance being misused, the severity of dependence and the support available to the user. Psychosocial therapies alongside pharmacological treatments are essential to improve outcome. The dependencies considered in this overview are detoxification from opioids (with methadone, buprenorphine, α2-adrenoceptor agonists and adjunct medications), alcohol (with benzodiazepines, anti-glutamatergics and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-ergic drugs), stimulants and cannabis (with no clear recommended pharmacological treatments), benzodiazepines (with dose tapering) and nicotine (with nicotine replacement therapy, antidepressants and partial agonists). Evidence is limited by a lack of controlled trials robust enough for review bodies, and more research is required into optimal treatment doses and regimes, alone and in combination. © 2013 The British Pharmacological Society.

Citation

Diaper, A. M., Law, F. D., & Melichar, J. K. (2014). Pharmacological strategies for detoxification. British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 77(2), 302-314. https://doi.org/10.1111/bcp.12245

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Oct 4, 2013
Online Publication Date Oct 4, 2013
Publication Date Feb 1, 2014
Deposit Date Nov 21, 2019
Journal British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology
Print ISSN 0306-5251
Electronic ISSN 1365-2125
Publisher Wiley
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 77
Issue 2
Pages 302-314
DOI https://doi.org/10.1111/bcp.12245
Public URL https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/4670079
Publisher URL https://doi.org/10.1111/bcp.12245