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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. setil@asplazio.it
The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
|June 14, 2003
Summary
Naltrexone maintenance treatment shows a trend towards reducing relapses in opioid addicts, particularly for highly motivated individuals. However, current evidence is limited, preventing definitive conclusions on its effectiveness.
Area of Science:
- Addiction Medicine
- Pharmacology
- Evidence-Based Medicine
Background:
- Naltrexone maintenance is widely used for opioid addiction treatment.
- Systematic evaluation of its effectiveness has been lacking.
- This review addresses the need for evidence-based assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically evaluate naltrexone maintenance treatment's efficacy.
- Focus on preventing relapse in opioid addicts post-detoxification.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature search of multiple databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane).
- Inclusion of all controlled studies on naltrexone for heroin addicts post-detoxification.
- Independent data evaluation and meta-analysis where possible, stratified by study quality.
Main Results:
- Eleven studies were included, with generally poor methodological quality.
- Meta-analysis was limited due to study heterogeneity.
- A significant reduction in re-incarcerations was observed for naltrexone plus behavioral therapy compared to therapy alone.
Conclusions:
- Available clinical trials are insufficient for a definitive evaluation of naltrexone maintenance.
- A trend favoring naltrexone was noted for specific groups, especially highly motivated patients.
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