Using naltrexone in inpatient alcoholism treatment

Naltrexone has been used successfully in outpatient settings as an adjunct to alcoholism treatment. This study examines the efficacy of using naltrexone in an inpatient treatment setting. Sixty-three alcohol-dependent patients who volunteered for a double-blind, placebo-controlled study were followed over the course of their 20 days in treatment and six months follow-up. A comparison group of 59 patients who did not volunteer were also studied over the same period of time. Patients in the study group were randomly assigned to receive naltrexone or placebo. Information was gathered daily on alcohol craving, drug craving and moods on self-reporting forms from the naltrexone and placebo groups, and from the comparison group. Follow-up data was gathered through self-report and through Washington State's TARGET management information system. No significant differences were found in craving scores while in treatment, nor in recidivism after treatment.