Suboxone for short-term detoxification: a review of the clinical evidence.

Opioid dependence is defined as a strong desire to use the substance, difficulty in controlling its use, the presence of a physiological withdrawal state, tolerance of the use of the drug, neglect of alternative pleasures and interests and persistent use of the drug, despite harm to oneself and others. Opioid dependence is a complex disease involving physiological, psychological, genetic, behavioral and environmental factors. Treatment of opioid dependence includes three approaches: stabilization, detoxification and maintenance. Stabilization is usually achieved by opioid substitution treatments to ensure that the drug use becomes independent of mental state (such as craving and mood) and independent of circumstances (such as finance and physical location). The next stage is detoxification that is to withdraw from opioids. The final step is maintenance to prevent relapse