Harmen Beurmanjer

72 Chapter 5 seven days on average the comparison of objective withdrawal shown in only over the first seven days of detoxification. The results did not differ when the full eleven days pharmaceutical GHB tapering were included in the analysis Craving LMM showed that craving diminished over time during detoxification in both groups (main effect of time: F(1,6)=6.88, p<.001), see Figure 3. No differences in craving scores were found between BZD and GHB tapering. Since BZD tapering lasted seven days on average the comparison of craving shown in only over the first seven days of detoxification. The results did not differ when the full eleven days pharmaceutical GHB tapering were included in the analysis Adverse events Adverse events were more common in the BZD group, with 29% (n=12) of BZD patients developing an adverse event during detoxification, compared to 5% (n=2) of the patients in the pharmaceutical GHB group (χ²(1)=8.5714, p=003). The majority of adverse events was related to delirium. Delirium was more common in the BZD group (21%, n=9), compared to the pharmaceutical GHB group (2%, n=1) (χ²(1)=7.2649, p=.007). Two patients receiving BZD tapering were transferred to the intensive care unit of the hospital, after developing delirium. Both patients developed severe agitation during their delirium. Other reported adverse events were latent suicidal thoughts, severe nightmares and memory problems in the BZD group. Figure 3 Experienced craving (VAS) during detoxification in patients receiving BZD tapering or pharmaceutical GHB tapering.