ABSTRACT
The withdrawal symptoms and signs that follow cessation of a drug which induces physical dependence can be eased by chemical treatment. The therapeutic regime may take the form of phased removal of the original preparation; this strategy is applicable to benzodiazepines and to the proprietary liquid compounds which contain opioids. For heroin and most opioids it is more usual to employ oral methadone in decreasing dosage. There is a growing and desirable impetus towards drugs which suppress withdrawal features although of a different pharmacological class to the original substance and which are not themselves liable to lead to dependence.
