[Buprenorphine as a new alternative for detoxification of heroin addicts. It causes only mild withdrawal problems, abating quickly].

Buprenorphine might be an alternative drug to be used in opiate detoxification. Its main advantage is that it carries a low risk for respiratory depression, it gives less euphoria and limited withdrawal effects. In a pilot detoxification project ten heroin addicts were given buprenorphine; seven completed the course. Before detoxification seven patients showed five or more signs on the Himmelsbach scale [6]. After the second day four patients showed no signs, four patients displayed one sign, two patients two signs. Buprenorphine may be a valuable alternative to clonidine, dextropropoxiphene and methadone in the detoxification of opiate addicts.