Naltrexone implants after in-patient treatment for opioid dependence: randomised controlled trial

Naltrexone has considerable potential in helping to prevent relapse in heroin dependency. A longer-lasting formulation for naltrexone treatment is desirable to further reduce non-adherence and relapse during treatment of opiate dependence. To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of a 6-month naltre...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:British journal of psychiatry 2009-06, Vol.194 (6), p.541-546
Main Authors: Kun⊘e, Nikolaj, Lobmaier, Philipp, Vederhus, John Kåre, Hjerkinn, Bj⊘rg, Hegstad, Solfrid, Gossop, Michael, Kristensen, Øistein, Waal, Helge
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescent
Adult
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Drug dependency
Drug Implants
Female
Follow-Up Studies
Heroin
Heroin Dependence - drug therapy
Heroin Dependence - rehabilitation
Humans
Implants
Male
Middle Aged
Motivation
Naltrexone
Naltrexone - blood
Naltrexone - therapeutic use
Narcotic Antagonists - blood
Narcotic Antagonists - therapeutic use
Norway
Opioids
Relapse
Secondary Prevention
Treatment Outcome
Young Adult
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Summary:Naltrexone has considerable potential in helping to prevent relapse in heroin dependency. A longer-lasting formulation for naltrexone treatment is desirable to further reduce non-adherence and relapse during treatment of opiate dependence. To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of a 6-month naltrexone implant in reducing opioid use after in-patient treatment. A group of 56 abstinence-oriented patients who completed in-patient treatment for opioid dependence were randomly and openly assigned to receive either a 6-month naltrexone implant or their usual aftercare. Drug use and other outcomes were assessed at 6-month follow-up. Patients receiving naltrexone had on average 45 days less heroin use and 60 days less opioid use than controls in the 180-day period (both P
ISSN:0007-1250
1472-1465
DOI:10.1192/bjp.bp.108.055319