UI - 000030

AU - Kroening RJ

AU - Oleson TD

TI - Rapid narcotic detoxification in chronic pain patients treated with auricular electroacupuncture and naloxone

AB - IN: U California, Pain Management Ctr, Los Angeles LA: English AB: Studied severe narcotic

withdrawal signs that accompany detoxification, using 14 28-63 yr old chronic pain patients taking high

levels of analgesic medications. A rapid narcotic detoxification procedure using auricular electroacupuncture

was applied to Ss, who were to be withdrawn from their opiate medications. All Ss were first switched to

oral methadone. They were then given bilateral electrical stimulation to needles inserted in the "lung" and

"shen men" acupuncture points on the ear, followed by periodic intravenous injections of low doses of

naloxone (0.8-40 mg/day). 12 Ss were completely withdrawn from narcotic medications within 2-7 days, and

they experienced no to minimal side effects. These results are explained by the relationship of

electroacupuncture to the release of endorphins. (44 ref) (PsycLIT Database Copyright 1987 American

Psychological Assn, all rights reserved) KP: auricular electroacupuncture & naloxone; rapid narcotic

detoxification; 28-63 yr old chronic pain patients withdrawn from opiate analgesic therapy AN: 74-02304

SO - International Journal of the Addictions 1985;20:1347-1360