For more information on methadone, see the 'Methadone Briefing' in the further reading list. There are other options for opiate users. Diamorphine itself can be used, and this has been considered recently in a trial in Switzerland with some promising results. Dihydrocodeine is also used in some centres for helping to control withdrawal symptoms. The reason for using lofexidine is to control the excessive adrenergic symptoms that can occur on opiate withdrawal, eg sneezing, watery eyes, runny nose, diarrhoea, chills and goose-flesh.
Treatment is completed within seven to ten days.
Finally, there is the option of using an opiate antagonist such as naltrexone. This is generally used post-detoxification and will block the effects if opiates are taken. Unfortunately, the drug is expensive and should be taken for several months to prevent complete relapse. There is little that can be done for stimulant users apart from substitution therapy with amphetamine or treatment of the associated depression once drug use has ceased. In some studies, substitute prescribing with amphetamine has been successful in maintaining contact with clients and reducing illicit amphetamine use.