[Detoxification treatment with naltrexone in opiate dependence]

Outcome of a maintenance treatment with naltrexone (350 mg/week) are examined in a sample of 50 patients with opiate dependence disorder. Treatment was followed in an outpatient facility, in a setting similar to patient's own environment. The average attendance rate was of 6.4 months. Six months after the onset of the treatment, 46% of the patients still remained drug-free. Results of treatment was correlated with changes in life style of the addicts. A follow-up study found that, overall, the naltrexone treatment caused an increase in alcohol consumption whereas there was a noticeable decrease in cocaine use. Factors related to successful results were a good work adjustment, no use of other drugs and lack of psychopathology.