OPIATE WITHDRAWAL TREATED WITH INDUCED HYPOGLYCEMIC REACTIONS
SIDNEY J. TILLIM M. D.
This paper has presented additional experiences and discussion of the author's method of insulin therapy for the alleviation of suffering from opiate withdrawal. Fifteen patients have thus far been treated without failure to produce substantial freedom from distress. All patients accepted abrupt withdrawal although they were hospitalized on a voluntary status. Sedatives of any kind were unnecessary during the period of insulin treatments. Appetite, sleep and a sense of well-being were restored within a few days. This permitted an early return to normal activities, often at a higher level of efficiency than before treatment. Because abrupt withdrawal of the opiate was feasible the period of hospitalization was materially shorter than required by any other acceptable method of treatment. The rationale of the treatment is well supported by the present knowledge about addiction and hypoglycemic therapy.
