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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
|June 22, 2002
Summary
Naltrexone maintenance treatment shows a trend for reducing re-incarcerations in opioid addicts when combined with behavioral therapy. However, conclusive evidence on naltrexone
Area of Science:
- Addiction Medicine
- Pharmacology
- Clinical Trials
Background:
- Naltrexone maintenance therapy is widely used for opioid addiction treatment.
- Systematic evaluation of naltrexone's effectiveness has been lacking despite its long-term use.
- Evidence base for naltrexone's role in preventing relapse post-detoxification requires thorough assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically evaluate the efficacy of naltrexone maintenance treatment.
- To assess naltrexone's effectiveness in preventing relapse among opioid-dependent individuals after detoxification.
- To synthesize evidence from controlled studies on naltrexone's impact on opioid addiction recovery.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature search across major databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane) and grey literature.
- Inclusion of all controlled studies focusing on naltrexone for heroin addicts post-detoxification.
- Independent data extraction and analysis, stratifying by study quality; meta-analysis performed where feasible.
Main Results:
- Eleven studies met inclusion criteria, with generally poor methodological quality.
- Heterogeneity limited meta-analysis; only a statistically significant reduction in re-incarcerations was observed for naltrexone plus behavioral therapy versus behavioral therapy alone.
- Other outcome measures did not show significant results, precluding definitive conclusions on naltrexone's effectiveness.
Conclusions:
- Current clinical trials are insufficient for a definitive evaluation of naltrexone maintenance treatment.
- A positive trend favoring naltrexone was noted for specific patient groups, particularly highly motivated individuals.
- Further high-quality research is needed to establish naltrexone's role in opioid addiction maintenance therapy.
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