Naloxone for Diagnosis in Methadone Programs

Abstract

Naloxone hydrochloride is safe, effective, rapid, and inexpensive for the diagnosis of physical dependence on opiates. It may be used in an outpatient setting with a minimum of personnel. Unlike urinalysis, it will distinguish a person who is physically dependent from one who is an occasional user, and in 10 to 35 minutes. A significant hazard exists in creating addicts to methadone hydrochloride, since a third of those applying to a methadone clinic without prior documentation of withdrawal in an institution showed no evidence of physical dependence.