Abstract
Self-reported opiate withdrawal symptoms were precipitated by cocaine use in 27 of35 opiate-dependent men. While 13 had used cocaine to relieve withdrawal symptoms, relief occurred only while they were high from cocaine, followed by more severe withdrawal than usual. Similar symptoms were also reported by 24 of 31 non-opiate-dependent cocaine abusers. Severity of symptoms was greater for the opiate-dependent subjects. These results are consistent with noradrenergic sensitivity in opiate-dependent subjects.