Abstinence fear in methadone maintenance withdrawal: a possible obstacle for getting off methadone

Predictive factors for acceptance of a long-acting opiate substitution treatment studied through social representations and internalized stigma

OBJECTIVES

Opioid use disorder is a public health problem worldwide with a treatment gap partially due to sociocultural representation and stigma. Taking the opportunity of an authorization to a subcutaneous (SC) injectable solution of buprenorphine, the first and only injectable treatment for opioid dependence available in France, we investigate potential obstacles to its implementation in France.

METHODS

This study aimed to define the factors predicting the acceptance of a new SC form of opiate substitution treatment (OST) by comparing the social representations using an adapted version of the Explanatory Model Interview Catalogue (EMIC) and the internalized stigma of intravenous drug injection using the Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness Inventory (ISMI) between participants receiving OST likely to accept the SC form or not. We also observed whether the fear of an opiate withdrawal syndrome could influence this choice.

RESULTS

Fifty OST patients were included, 54% of them accepted a new SC form of OST. Perceived causes of drug injection measured with EMIC were significantly lower among participants who would not accept the new SC form. No significant difference was found regarding the total score of the adapted ISMI or its items. The fear of opiate withdrawal syndrome did not seem to be statistically related to acceptance of a long-acting SC OST in either group. The most discriminating combination of factors in predicting patient acceptance of such treatment was related to the perceived causes of drug injection associated with a severe Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5th version (DSM-5) diagnosis, and a lower alcohol consumption.

CONCLUSIONS

We observed significant differences in social representations but not in internalized stigma between the two groups. Moreover, the predictive factors linked to the acceptance of a new SC form of OST suggest a multifactorial combination of elements that will have to be tested in a larger and prospective study delivering long-acting high-dose buprenorphine.

Low-dose buprenorphine initiation and treatment continuation among hospitalized patients with opioid dependence: A retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Buprenorphine is an effective treatment for both opioid use disorder (OUD) and chronic pain, but buprenorphine's pharmacology complicates treatment initiation for some patients. Low-dose buprenorphine initiation is a novel strategy that may reduce precipitated withdrawal. Few studies describe what patient populations benefit most from low-dose initiations and the clinical parameters that impact treatment continuation. This study aimed to 1) describe experiences with low-dose buprenorphine initiation, including both successes and failures among hospitalized patients in an urban underserved community; 2) identify patient- and treatment-related characteristics associated with unsuccessful initiation and treatment discontinuation; and 3) assess buprenorphine treatment continuation after discharge.

METHODS

This is a retrospective cohort study with opioid-dependent (meaning OUD or receiving long-term opioid therapy for chronic pain) patients who underwent low-dose buprenorphine initiation during hospital admission from October 2021 through April 2022. The primary outcome was successful completion of low-dose initiation. Bivariate analysis identified patient- and treatment-related factors associated with unsuccessful initiation. Secondary outcomes were buprenorphine treatment discontinuation at post-discharge follow-up, 30- and 90-days.

RESULTS

Of 28 patients who underwent low-dose buprenorphine initiation, 68 % successfully completed initiation. Unsuccessful initiation was associated with receipt of methadone during admission and higher morphine milligram equivalents (MME) of supplemental opioids. Of 22 patients with OUD, the percent receiving a buprenorphine prescription at a follow-up visit, 30 days, and 90 days, respectively, was 46 %, 36 %, and 36 %. Of 6 patients with chronic pain, the percent receiving a buprenorphine prescription at a follow-up visit, 30 days, and 90 days, respectively, was 100 %, 100 %, and 83 %.

CONCLUSION

Low-dose buprenorphine initiation can be successful in opioid-dependent hospitalized patients. Patients taking methadone or requiring higher MME of supplemental opioids may have more difficulty with the low-dose buprenorphine initiation approach, but these findings should be replicated in larger studies. This study suggests patient- and treatment-related factors that clinicians could consider when determining the optimal treatment strategy for patients wishing to transition to buprenorphine.

Abstinence phobia among adult African American/Black cannabis users

OBJECTIVE

African American/Black individuals experience significant health disparities, particularly as it relates to cannabis use. As such, there is a need to identify intrapersonal factors related to more severe patterns of use among this subpopulation. Worry about quitting or reducing cannabis as a result of the anticipated anxiety-related states during deprivation (i.e., abstinence phobia) is one factor that is theoretically important in the context of cannabis-related disparities.

METHOD

The current study sought to examine the cross-sectional association between abstinence phobia and cannabis use problems, perceived barriers for cannabis cessation, and cannabis withdrawal symptoms. Participants included 83 African American/Black cannabis users (31.3% female, M_age = 38.12, SD = 10.42).

RESULTS

Cannabis abstinence phobia was associated with greater severity of cannabis use problems, more perceived barriers for quitting cannabis use, and more severe cannabis withdrawal symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Abstinence phobia may represent an underrecognized intervention target for addressing cannabis use problems and quit success.

Cues conditioned to withdrawal and negative reinforcement: Neglected but key motivational elements driving opioid addiction

Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a debilitating disorder that affects millions of people. Neutral cues can acquire motivational properties when paired with the positive emotional effects of drug intoxication to stimulate relapse. However, much less research has been devoted to cues that become conditioned to the aversive effects of opioid withdrawal. We argue that environmental stimuli promote motivation for opioids when cues are paired with withdrawal (conditioned withdrawal) and generate opioid consumption to terminate conditioned withdrawal (conditioned negative reinforcement). We review evidence that cues associated with pain drive opioid consumption, as patients with chronic pain may misuse opioids to escape physical and emotional pain. We highlight sex differences in withdrawal-induced stress reactivity and withdrawal cue processing and discuss neurocircuitry that may underlie withdrawal cue processing in dependent individuals. These studies highlight the importance of studying cues associated with withdrawal in dependent individuals and point to areas for exploration in OUD research.

Differences in patient-reported and observer-rated opioid withdrawal symptom etiology, time course, and relationship to clinical outcome

Although opioid withdrawal ratings are frequently used as primary outcomes for therapeutic trials, there has been limited empirical examination of opioid withdrawal symptom onset or etiology as an outcome, and also little examination of differences in outcomes between patient-reported and observer-ratings of withdrawal. Patient-reported (Subjective Opiate Withdrawal Scale, SOWS) and observer ratings (Clinical Opiate Withdrawal Scale, COWS) of opioid withdrawal collected as part of a randomized controlled residential clonidine, tramadol-extended release, and buprenorphine/naloxone 7-day taper for opioid withdrawal management were analyzed. Withdrawal ratings were collected seven times daily and primary outcomes were percent of participants (N = 103) endorsing symptoms, time of symptom onset, and relationship of scales to taper completion. Participants had variable endorsement of specific symptoms, ranging from 37 % ("feel like vomiting") to 97 % ("change in resting pulse"). Symptoms were more likely to be reported on the SOWS than COWS. Most symptoms began around 8 h after last dose, though comparison of like symptoms across the scales revealed patients reported symptoms on the SOWS > 10 h before they were observed on the COWS. SOWS peak severity score was more closely associated with taper completion than the COWS. Data suggest the patient-reported SOWS demonstrated a higher level of symptom endorsement, earlier detection of symptom onset, and better association with taper completion relative to the observer rated COWS. These data provide insight into the etiology of opioid withdrawal symptom expression and time course that can be used to inform treatment intervention timing and provide a baseline for other withdrawal evaluations.

Open-label dose-extending placebos for opioid use disorder: a protocol for a randomised controlled clinical trial with methadone treatment

INTRODUCTION

More than 2 million individuals in the USA have an opioid use disorder (OUD). Methadone maintenance treatment is the gold standard of medication-based treatment for OUD, but high-dose methadone is associated with cardiotoxicity and respiratory complications, among other side effects. These adverse effects make enhancing the effectiveness of lower doses of methadone an attractive therapeutic goal. Long recognised for its capacity to enhance treatment outcomes for a wide range of neuropsychiatric disorders including pain, the placebo effect offers an as-yet untested avenue to such an enhancement. This approach is particularly compelling given that individuals with substance use disorder tend to have higher salience attribution and may thereby be more sensitive to placebo effects. Our study combines two promising clinical methodologies-conditioning/dose-extension and open-label placebo-to investigate whether placebo effects can increase the effective potency of methadone in treatment-seeking OUD patients.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

A total of 120 newly enrolled treatment-seeking OUD patients will be randomly assigned to one of two different groups: either methadone plus daily placebo dose-extension (PDE; treatment group) or methadone/treatment as usual (control). Participants will meet with study team members five times over the course of 3 months of treatment with methadone (baseline, 2 weeks, and 1, 2 and 3 months postbaseline). Throughout this study time period, methadone dosages will be adjusted by an addiction clinician blind to patient assignment, per standard clinical methods. The primary outcome is methadone dose at 3 months. Secondary outcomes include self-report of drug use; 3-month urine toxicology screen results; and treatment retention. Exploratory outcomes include several environmental as well as personality factors associated with OUD and with propensity to demonstrate a placebo effect.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Human subjects oversight for this study is provided by the University of Maryland, Baltimore and University of Maryland, College Park Institutional Review Boards. Additionally, the study protocol is reviewed annually by an independent Data and Safety Monitoring Board. Study results will be disseminated via research conference presentations and peer-reviewed publications.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT02941809.

Worries About Discontinuing Buprenorphine Treatment: Scale Development and Clinical Correlates

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Despite the benefits of maintenance buprenorphine treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD), many individuals report an interest in discontinuing the medication, while also expressing worries about tapering. The purpose of this study was to develop a measure of worries about buprenorphine discontinuation ("Off Bupe") and determine the demographic and clinical characteristics associated with these worries.

METHODS

Between May 2017 and May 2018, we surveyed adults in an outpatient primary care buprenorphine program (n = 138). Reliability and validity of the Off Bupe measure were examined.

RESULTS

Participants averaged 39 years of age, 54% were male, average duration of buprenorphine was 189 weeks and 85.5% reported eventually wanting to discontinue buprenorphine, although fewer than 10% were actively tapering. We derived two scales, withdrawal symptom worry (10 items, ɑ = 0.94) and relapse worry (7 items, ɑ = 0.88). Worry about symptoms was positively associated with current buprenorphine dose (P = 0.016), physical discomfort avoidance (P < 0.001), and inversely associated with self-efficacy to quit buprenorphine (P < 0.001) and distress tolerance (P < 0.001). Worry about opioid relapse was associated positively with age (P = 0.019), current buprenorphine dose (P = 0.004), physical discomfort avoidance (P < 0.001), and impulsivity (P = 0.002), and inversely associated with self-efficacy to quit buprenorphine (P < 0.001).

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

Psychometric evaluation of the "Off Bupe" scale demonstrated its content and construct validity and internal reliability.

SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE

The scale might help individuals with OUD and their providers identify concerns about discontinuing buprenorphine. (Am J Addict 2019;28:270-276).

Abstinence expectancies and quit attempts

INTRODUCTION

Several scales have been developed to measure expectancies about smoking cessation. This secondary analysis tested the reliability and validity of one of the most commonly used expectancy measures - the Perceived Risks and Benefits of Quitting Scale (PRBQ).

METHODS

Smokers (n=143) who planned to quit at some point in the next 3months entered an observational study in which they called an Interactive Voice Response system nightly for 3months to report quit attempts and abstinence. They completed the PRBQ at baseline and the end of 1, 2 and 3months. No treatment was provided.

RESULTS

The Risks scores and Benefit scores of the PRBQ had high internal reliability (alpha=0.88-0.96 across administrations) and high test-retest stability (ICC=0.67-0.80), but poor to moderate concurrent validity (correlation with other cessation measures=0.09-0.52), and poor predictive validity (no significant prediction of quit attempts or duration of abstinence). Results were similar for men and women.

CONCLUSIONS

The PRBQ appears to be reliable but, similar to other scales of cessation expectancies, its validity appears to be poor. The face valid notion that expectations influence quitting requires further testing.

The Need for Psychosocial Interventions to Facilitate the Transition to Extended-Release Naltrexone (XR-NTX) Treatment for Opioid Dependence: A Concise Review of the Literature

Given the increase of opioid dependence and opioid-related morbidity and mortality, improving treatment options for individuals with opioid dependence warrants increased attention. This article provides a concise review of work in this area. Remission from opioid dependence can be very difficult to sustain, particularly in the absence of opioid replacement or opioid antagonist therapy. For those who wish to transition from opioid use or opioid replacement therapy to opioid antagonist therapy, a significant challenge can be the period of withdrawal symptoms that must be endured prior to the initiation of opioid antagonist therapy. Studies that have incorporated psychosocial interventions into detoxification protocols have found that they can result in improved treatment outcomes. Interventions based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy have shown promise in the treatment of clinical disorders that present with symptoms similar to those of opioid withdrawal and have been found to positively impact outcomes among those tapering from methadone. However, the use of an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy-based intervention has yet to be studied among opioid-dependent patients transitioning to XR-NTX, and its value to those transitioning to XR-NTX is currently unknown.

Neurobiology of opioid dependence in creating addiction vulnerability

Opioid drugs are potent modulators of many physiological and psychological processes. When given acutely, they can elicit the signature responses of euphoria and analgesia that societies have coveted for centuries. Repeated, or chronic, use of opioids induces adaptive or allostatic changes that modify neuronal circuitry and create an altered normality — the “drug-dependent” state. This state, at least that exhibited by those maintained continuously on long-acting opioid drugs such as methadone or buprenorphine, is generally indistinguishable from the drug-naïve state for most overt behaviors. The consequences of the allostatic changes (cellular, circuit, and system adaptations) that accompany the drug-dependent state are revealed during drug withdrawal. Drug cessation triggers a temporally orchestrated allostatic re-establishment of neuronal systems, which is manifested as opposing physiological and psychological effects to those exhibited by acute drug intoxication. Some withdrawal symptoms, such as physical symptoms (sweating, shaking, and diarrhea) resolve within days, whilst others, such as dysphoria, insomnia, and anxiety, can linger for months, and some adaptations, such as learned associations, may be established for life. We will briefly discuss the cellular mechanisms and neural circuitry that contribute to the opioid drug-dependent state, inferring an emerging role for neuroinflammation. We will argue that opioid addictive behaviors result from a learned relationship between opioids and relief from an existing or withdrawal-induced anxiogenic and/or dysphoric state. Furthermore, a future stressful life event can recall the memory that opioid drugs alleviate negative affect (despair, sadness, and anxiety) and thereby precipitate craving, resulting in relapse. A learned association of relief of aversive states would fuel drug craving in vulnerable people living in an increasingly stressful society. We suggest that this route to addiction is contributive to the current opioid epidemic in the USA.

A stage I pilot study of acceptance and commitment therapy for methadone detoxification

BACKGROUND

While agonist replacement therapies are effective for managing opioid dependence, community treatment programs are increasingly choosing detoxification. Unfortunately, success rates for opioid detoxification are very low, in part, due to physical and psychological symptoms associated with opioid withdrawal. Few behavior therapies specifically address the distressing experiences specific to opioid withdrawal. A novel behavioral treatment, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), works from the premise that the avoidance of unpleasant private experiences (thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations) is ubiquitous yet may be pathogenic, resulting in treatment drop-out and further drug use.

METHODS

This Stage I pilot study developed and tested an ACT-based opioid detoxification behavioral therapy. Opioid dependent patients (N=56) who were attending a licensed methadone clinic were randomized to receive either 24 individual therapy sessions of ACT or drug counseling (DC) in the context of a 6-month methadone dose reduction program.

RESULTS

While no difference was found on opioid use during treatment, 37% of participants in the ACT condition were successfully detoxified at the end of treatment compared to 19% of those who received DC. Fear of detoxification was also reduced across time in the ACT condition relative to DC.

CONCLUSION

This first study of ACT to assist opioid detoxification indicates promise. Research is needed to refine specific treatment strategies for this population to further strengthen effects.

The first 38 methadone maintenance treatment patients in Stockholm: 15-year follow-up with a main focus on detoxification from methadone

BACKGROUND/AIMS

The present study investigated the first 38 methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) patients in Stockholm. The aim was: (i) to investigate the possible predictive factors for successful treatment termination, and (ii) the long-term outcome effects and life situation of MMT patients and those who terminated the treatment.

METHODS

The patients were interviewed at the start and approximately 15 years later, and divided into four groups: (1) no withdrawal attempts, (2) forced to stop the treatment, (3) successful tapering and (4) non-successful tapering.

RESULTS

The predictive factor found that Group 1 showed a lower life quality compared with Groups 3 and 4. Fifteen years later, the life situations of Groups 3 and 4 were significantly more stable. Also the subjective well-being in Group 3 was significantly higher. Over all, Group 2 showed significantly more illicit drug use compared with Group 3. The social life situation was significantly improved for all patients during the 15 years.

CONCLUSION

This study confirms our earlier findings that the ultimate goal of MMT for the motivated patients with good progress should be an opiate-free life. The life situation and subjective well-being seems to be higher after successful termination of MMT.

Heroin-dependent inmates' experiences with buprenorphine or methadone maintenance

Methadone and buprenorphine are both efficacious treatments for opioid dependency, but they also have different pharmacological properties and clinical delivery methods that can affect their acceptability to patients. This study was intended to increase our knowledge of heroin-dependent individuals' perceptions of methadone vs. buprenorphine maintenance based on actual experiences with each. The study sample consists of heroin-dependent men at the Rikers Island jail in New York City who were voluntarily randomly assigned to methadone or buprenorphine maintenance in jail. Methadone patients were more likely to report feeling uncomfortable the first few days, having side/withdrawal effects during treatment, and being concerned about continued dependency on medication after release. In contrast, buprenorphine patients' main issue was the bitter taste. All of the buprenorphine patients stated that they would recommend the medication to others, with almost all preferring it to methadone. Ninety-three percent of buprenorphine vs. 44% of methadone patients intended to enroll in those respective treatments after release, with an added one-quarter of the methadone patients intending to enroll in buprenorphine instead. These results reinforce the importance of increasing access to buprenorphine treatment in the community for indigent heroin-dependent offenders.

"Should I stay or should I go?" Coming off methadone and buprenorphine treatment

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to investigate patient perspectives regarding coming off maintenance opioid substitution treatment (OST). The study explored previous experiences, current interest and concerns about stopping treatment, and perceptions of how and when coming off treatment should be supported.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was used. Participants were 145 patients receiving OST at public opioid treatment clinics in Sydney, Australia.

RESULTS

Sixty-two percent reported high interest in coming off treatment in the next 6 months. High interest was associated with having discussed coming off treatment with a greater number of categories of people (OR=1.72), not citing concern about heroin relapse (OR=3.18), and shorter duration of current treatment episode (OR=0.99). Seventy-one percent reported previous withdrawal attempts and 23% had achieved opioid abstinence for ≥3 months following a previous withdrawal attempt. Attempts most commonly involved jumping off (59%), and doctor-controlled (52%) or self-controlled (48%) gradual reduction. For future attempts respondents were most interested in doctor-controlled (68%) or self-controlled (41%) gradual reduction. Concerns regarding coming off treatment included withdrawal discomfort (68%), increased pain (50%), and relapse to heroin use (48%).

CONCLUSION

While some patients may require lifetime maintenance, the issue of coming off treatment is important to many patients and should be discussed regularly throughout treatment and where appropriate supported by a menu of clinical options.

A double-blind, randomized, parallel group study to compare the efficacy, safety and tolerability of slow-release oral morphine versus methadone in opioid-dependent in-patients willing to undergo detoxification

AIMS

Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of slow-release oral morphine (SROM) compared with methadone for detoxification from methadone and SROM maintenance treatment.

DESIGN

Randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, comparative multi-centre study with parallel groups.

SETTING

Three psychiatric hospitals in Austria specializing in in-patient detoxification.

PARTICIPANTS

Male and female opioid dependents (age > 18 years) willing to undergo detoxification from maintenance therapy in order to reach abstinence.

INTERVENTIONS

Abstinence was reached from maintenance treatment by tapered dose reduction of either SROM or methadone over a period of 16 days.

MEASUREMENTS

Efficacy analyses were based on the number of patients per treatment group completing the study, as well as on the control of signs and symptoms of withdrawal [measured using Short Opioid Withdrawal Scale (SOWS)] and suppression of opiate craving. In addition, self-reported somatic and psychic symptoms (measured using Symptom Checklist SCL-90-R) were monitored.

FINDINGS

Of the 208 patients enrolled into the study, 202 were eligible for analysis (SROM: n = 102, methadone: n = 100). Completion rates were 51% in the SROM group and 49% in the methadone group [difference between groups: 2%; 95% confidence interval (CI): -12% to 16%]. The rate of discontinuation in the study was high mainly because of patients voluntarily withdrawing from treatment. No statistically significant differences between treatment groups were found in terms of signs and symptoms of opiate withdrawal, craving for opiates or self-reported symptoms. SROM and methadone were both well tolerated.

CONCLUSIONS

Detoxification from maintenance treatment with tapered dose reduction of SROM is non-inferior to methadone.

Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy during Methadone Dose Reduction: Rationale, Treatment Description, and a Case Report

Many clients who undergo methadone maintenance (MM) treatment for heroin and other opiate dependence prefer abstinence from methadone. Attempts at methadone detoxification are often unsuccessful, however, due to distressing physical as well as psychological symptoms. Outcomes from a MM client who voluntarily participated in an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) - based methadone detoxification program are presented. The program consisted of a 1-month stabilization and 5-month gradual methadone dose reduction period, combined with weekly individual ACT sessions. Urine samples were collected twice weekly to assess for use of illicit drugs. The participant successfully completed the program and had favorable drug use outcomes during the course of treatment, and at the one-month and one-year follow-ups. Innovative behavior therapies, such as ACT, that focus on acceptance of the inevitable distress associated with opiate withdrawal may improve methadone detoxification outcomes.

Abstinence-orientated buprenorphine replacement therapy for young adults in out-patient counselling

This study assessed treatment retention, compliance and completion of a 9-month buprenorphine replacement programme. In addition, changes in drug use and other relevant variables, as well as predictors of completion, were examined. Seventy-five opioid-dependent out-patients (mean age 26 years; 33% females) who aimed for opioid abstinence were enrolled into the study. Assessments were undertaken prior to buprenorphine induction and again at 3, 6 and 9 months. Forty patients (53%) completed the buprenorphine programme. At 9 months, 67 patients (87%) were still in counselling. Mean attendance rates for buprenorphine dosing and counselling sessions were 0.91 and 0.74, respectively. There were significant and persistent reductions in drug use during treatment with, however, a reversed tendency in the 9th month. Psychiatric problems escalated at 9 months, and three patients died during the detoxification phase. Completion was predicted by fewer previous treatment episodes. Detoxification from buprenorphine is associated with substantial psychological distress and an increased death risk. Buprenorphine replacement therapy should be continued until the patient chooses to leave, and close monitoring during the detoxification phase is essential.

Assessing the influence of need to inject and drug withdrawal on drug injectors' perceptions of HIV risk behavior

This article aims to assess the influence of the need to inject and drug withdrawal on drug injectors' perceptions of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) risk behavior inside and outside prison. Complementary qualitative research methods were used with 24 drug injectors in England. It was found that when sterile injecting equipment was unavailable the need to inject and drug withdrawal were important factors on the reported readiness to share injecting equipment. This finding was broadly consistent both outside and inside prison. However, different patterns of responses between these two environments were influenced by the social context in which HIV risk was considered. These perceptions of HIV risk are situationally specific, but the influence of the need for a drug injection and drug withdrawal on HIV risk behavior transcends social settings. Thus, HIV risk reduction strategies should be consistent outside and inside prison.

Patient perceptions of psychological and physiological withdrawal symptoms and positive factors associated with gradual withdrawal from methadone maintenance treatment: a prospective study

Psychological and physiological withdrawal symptoms and some positive factors were studied in 10 methadone maintenance treatment patients during methadone dose reduction. The subjective ratings were made during a period of 10 days around each reduction occasion, 3 days before dose reduction and 7 days after (i.e., within the periods). To permit comparisons of the subjects' ratings between earlier and later stages of the dose reduction process, a division has been made between the first half and the second half of the total reduction occasions (i.e., between the periods). Three of the patients completed the dose reduction, while the others interrupted their withdrawal attempts. The results show that the aggregate psychological symptoms were rated low, but that, as expected, they increased significantly from the first to the second half of the dose reduction. A significant increase of the psychological symptoms also occurred from the days before each reduction to the days after. The aggregate physiological symptoms were rated very low. A significant increase in rated withdrawal intensity is found within the reduction occasions. There were no significant changes with regard to the aggregate positive factors, either within or between the reduction occasions.