Naltrexone: A short-term treatment for opiate dependence

Robert A. Greenstein, Charles P. O'Brien, A. Thomas Mclellan, George E. Woody, John Grabowski, Melody Long, Geraldine Coyle-Perkins, Anita Vittor

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

30 Scopus citations

Abstract

The narcotic antagonist, naltrexone, was studied in 242 patients during a 6-year period. Although a large number of subjects discontinued naltrexone abruptly, treatment was related to a significant decrease in opiate and nonopiate drug use. Methods for improving retention during induction and maintenance are discussed and posttreatment outcome results are presented. The authors conclude that naltrexone may be a useful short-term treatment option for opiate dependence.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)291-300
Number of pages10
JournalAmerican Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse
Volume8
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - 1981
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
This investigation was supported in part by NIDA grants 1586 and 01218. The authors would like to thank Ruth Williams, Pete Andrews, Dennis Sacks, Eddie Smith, Doris Battle, and the staff of the DDTS and Inpatient Unit for their assistance. Statistical analyses were performed by Dr McLellan and Anita Vittor.

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