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A Method for Evaluating the Reinforcing Properties of Ethanol in Rats without Water Deprivation, Saccharin Fading or Extended Access Training
Published on: January 29, 2017
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
|November 1, 2001
Summary
Naltrexone maintenance treatment shows potential for 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
- Pharmacology
- Clinical Research
Background:
- Naltrexone maintenance is widely used for opioid addiction treatment.
- Systematic evaluation of its efficacy has been lacking.
- Evidence supporting its long-term effects requires comprehensive review.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically evaluate the effectiveness of naltrexone maintenance treatment.
- To assess its role in preventing relapse among opioid addicts post-detoxification.
Main Methods:
- Searched multiple databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane) and hand-searched relevant literature.
- Included all controlled studies on naltrexone for heroin addicts after detoxification.
- Independently evaluated data, analyzed outcomes, and performed meta-analysis where feasible, 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.
- Other outcomes did not show significant improvements.
Conclusions:
- Current clinical trials are insufficient for a definitive evaluation of naltrexone maintenance.
- A positive trend favoring naltrexone was observed in specific groups, such as highly motivated patients.
- Further research is needed to establish conclusive evidence.
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