Related Experiment Videos
Naltrexone maintenance treatment for opioid dependence
U Kirchmayer1, M Davoli, A Verster
1Agenzia di Sanità Pubblica Regione Lazio, Via di S. Costanza, 53, Rome, Lazio, ITALY, 00198. setil@asplazio.it
The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
|October 18, 2000
Summary
Naltrexone maintenance treatment shows promise in preventing opioid relapse, particularly for highly motivated individuals. However, current evidence is limited, necessitating further research to confirm its effectiveness.
Area of Science:
- Addiction Medicine
- Pharmacological Interventions
- Evidence-Based Practice
Background:
- Naltrexone maintenance is widely used for opioid addiction treatment.
- Systematic evaluation of its effectiveness is lacking despite over a decade of use.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically evaluate the effects of naltrexone maintenance treatment.
- To assess its efficacy in preventing relapse among opioid addicts post-detoxification.
Main Methods:
- Conducted a comprehensive literature search across multiple databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane).
- Included controlled studies on naltrexone for heroin addicts after detoxification.
- Performed meta-analysis where possible, stratifying by study quality.
Main Results:
- Eleven studies were included, with generally poor methodological quality.
- Meta-analysis was limited due to study heterogeneity.
- Naltrexone combined with behavioral therapy significantly reduced re-incarcerations compared to therapy alone.
Conclusions:
- Available trials are insufficient for a definitive evaluation of naltrexone maintenance.
- A positive trend suggests potential benefits for specific groups, like highly motivated patients.