Heroin Detox: Methadone Facts

Question: Is it better to undergo anesthesia-assisted heroin detox?

(Posted by: celest_i on 2007-05-31 02:11:25)

I've only recently learned that there is such a treatment for heroin addiction that involves anesthesia. Does this minimize withdrawal symptoms? Would it be better to undergo this kind of treatment? It's just that a neighbor of mine has been undergoing treatment for heroin, and if this is better, then I would suggest that they go with this kind of method.

Posted by: alycia s on 2007-05-31, 02:13:55

No, it's not better. In fact, there is no change between the withdrawal symptoms felt by those who had undergone treatment without anesthesia, and those who had undergone treatment with anesthesia. In fact, some of those who had undergone treatment with anesthesia experienced some complications because of pre-existing medical conditions. There are a lot of risks involved, and there has been no proven advantages regarding the use of anesthesia with heroin detox. Studies have shown that using naltrexone or buprenorphine are even better.

Posted by: achiral55 on 2007-05-31, 02:23:23

I believe, it is is my right to give opinion here, so I do think it is similiar to jail. If you do the crime do the time. I think the withdrawl my deter you from ever doing drugs again.

Posted by: Livie on 2007-05-31, 02:26:28

It may seem easier to "go under " and wake with the withdrawal gone, but it's not really. Besides the risks inherent with anaesthesia, there are psychological benefits to actually experiencing the pain and horror of drug withdrawal. The most being it's more of a detriment to backsliding than just waking up with the worst of it over. The physical addiction to the drug is only part of the battle. The challenge is finding new behavior patterns and coping strategies to deal with life without the crutch of the drug.

Posted by: kirsty c on 2007-05-31, 03:56:27

I would say no im also withdrwing from heroin its all well and good comming off the stuff but what about the craving you get after when your sat at home doing nowt and you think "awwwman i got £20 in my wallet i could go for getting real high right now " the detox your on about wont tak that away im on a methadone program it stops me craving gear and stops me from clucking to if "your mate " still fells strung out then he could ask his/ her gp for a mild seditive to help them relax