Magnesium for alcohol withdrawal
Abstract Background Patients have been given magnesium to treat or prevent alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS). Evidence to support this practice is limited, and is often based on the controversial link between hypomagnesaemia and AWS. Objectives To assess the effects of magnesium for the prevention or treatment of AWS in hospitalised adults. Search methods We searched […]
Methadone at tapered doses for the management of opioid withdrawal
Abstract Background The evidence of tapered methadone’s efficacy in managing opioid withdrawal has been systematically evaluated in the previous version of this review that needs to be updated Objectives To evaluate the effectiveness of tapered methadone compared with other detoxification treatments and placebo in managing opioid withdrawal on completion of detoxification and relapse rate. Search […]
Pharmacological therapies for maintenance treatments of opium dependence
Abstract Background Pharmacologic therapies for maintenance treatment of heroin dependence have been used and studied widely. Systematic reviews have demonstrated the effectiveness of such therapies. Opium dependence is associated with less problems and impairments and is less likely to be used by injecting, with consequent reductions in risk of overdose and blood-borne diseases. Although it […]
Managed alcohol as a harm reduction intervention for alcohol addiction in populations at high risk for substance abuse
Abstract Background Managed alcohol programmes (MAP) are a harm reduction strategy used to minimise the personal harm and adverse societal effects that alcohol dependence can lead to by providing an alternative to zero-tolerance approaches that incorporate drinking goals (abstinence or moderation) that are compatible with the needs of the individual, and promoting access to services […]
Preoperative alcohol cessation prior to elective surgery
Abstract Background Hazardous drinking has been associated with an increased postoperative complication rate after surgery. Common complications include postoperative infections, cardiopulmonary complications, and bleeding episodes. Preoperative abstinence may to some degree reverse alcohol-induced pathophysiological processes and thus prevent postoperative complications. Objectives To assess the effect of preoperative alcohol cessation interventions on the rate of postoperative […]
Antidepressants for cocaine dependence and problematic cocaine use
Abstract Background Cocaine dependence is a disorder for which no pharmacological treatment of proven efficacy exists, advances in the neurobiology could guide future medication development. Objectives To investigate the efficacy and acceptability of antidepressants alone or in combination with any psychosocial intervention for the treatment of cocaine dependence and problematic cocaine use. Search methods We […]
Heroin maintenance for chronic heroin-dependent individuals
Abstract Background Several types of medications have been used for stabilizing heroin users: Methadone, Buprenorphine and levo-alpha-acetyl-methadol (LAAM.) The present review focuses on the prescription of heroin to heroin-dependent individuals. Objectives To compare heroin maintenance to methadone or other substitution treatments for opioid dependence regarding: efficacy and acceptability, retaining patients in treatment, reducing the use […]
Brief interventions for heavy alcohol users admitted to general hospital wards
Abstract Background Brief interventions involve a time-limited intervention focusing on changing behaviour. They are often motivational in nature using counselling skills to encourage a reduction in alcohol consumption. Objectives To determine whether brief interventions reduce alcohol consumption and improve outcomes for heavy alcohol users admitted to general hospital inpatient units. Search methods We searched the […]
Oral substitution treatment of injecting opioid users for prevention of HIV infection
Abstract Background Injecting drug users are vulnerable to infection with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and other blood borne viruses as a result of collective use of injecting equipment as well as sexual behaviour Objectives To assess the effect of oral substitution treatment for opioid dependent injecting drug users on risk behaviours and rates of HIV […]
Propylthiouracil for alcoholic liver disease
Abstract Background Randomised clinical trials have addressed the question whether propylthiouracil has any beneficial effects in patients with alcoholic liver disease. Objectives To assess the beneficial and harmful effects of propylthiouracil for patients with alcoholic liver disease. Search methods We searched The Cochrane Hepato-Biliary Group Controlled Trials Register (April 2011), The Cochrane Central Register of […]