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Naltrexone for alcohol-dependent patients
J Ahmadi1, M Babaeebeigi, I Maany
1Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Fars Province, Iran. jamshid-ahmadi@yahoo.com
Irish Journal of Medical Science
|March 1, 2005
Summary
Naltrexone 50 mg/day significantly improved treatment retention for alcohol-dependent patients compared to placebo. This medication aids in maintaining individuals in outpatient treatment programs.
Area of Science:
- Addiction Medicine
- Psychopharmacology
- Clinical Psychiatry
Background:
- Naltrexone at 50 mg/day is known to reduce alcohol consumption and relapse rates.
- Alcohol dependence is a significant public health concern requiring effective treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of 50 mg/day naltrexone in maintaining alcohol-dependent patients in a 36-week outpatient treatment program.
- To assess the impact of naltrexone on treatment retention rates.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 116 male alcohol-dependent patients meeting DSM-IV criteria.
- Participants received either 50 mg/day naltrexone or a placebo, alongside weekly individual counseling sessions.
- Treatment retention, measured by days retained in treatment, was the primary outcome.
Main Results:
- A significantly higher completion rate was observed in the naltrexone group (44.8%) compared to the placebo group (25.9%).
- The difference in completion rates was statistically significant (chi2=4.56, p=0.033).
Conclusions:
- Naltrexone 50 mg/day demonstrates efficacy in improving treatment retention for alcohol-dependent individuals in an outpatient setting.
- The findings support the use of naltrexone as a safe and effective adjunct therapy for alcohol dependence treatment in Iran.