Opiate and cocaine dependencies. Techniques to help counter the rising tide.

Clonidine (Catapres) is a safe and effective agent for detoxification of selected opiate addicts. It seems best suited for transitional treatment between opiate dependency and aftercare with naltrexone (Trexan). The current epidemic of cocaine abuse in the United States is associated with intensified usage patterns and an increased prevalence of adverse medical consequences. Successful treatment of the cocaine abuser may require either hospitalization or structured outpatient treatment in a specialized program.