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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 for probationers and parolees
Charles O'Brien1, James W Cornish
1Treatment Research Center, University of Pennsylvania, 3900 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, 19104-6178, USA. obrien@mail.trc.upenn.edu
Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment
|August 22, 2006
Summary
Naltrexone medication can prevent heroin relapse in former inmates, breaking the cycle of addiction and incarceration. Overcoming knowledge gaps and ethical concerns can improve its use in addiction treatment.
Area of Science:
- Addiction Medicine
- Criminal Justice Health
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Heroin addiction is a chronic disorder often linked to criminal activity to fund drug use.
- Incarceration offers temporary drug abstinence, but relapse is common upon release, perpetuating a cycle.
- Naltrexone, an FDA-approved medication, shows potential in preventing relapse.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present data and discussions on the ethical use of naltrexone.
- To address barriers to naltrexone use in incarcerated and supervised populations.
- To offer suggestions for integrating naltrexone into addiction treatment for this demographic.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing data on naltrexone efficacy.
- Discussion of ethical considerations surrounding opiate receptor blockade.
- Analysis of knowledge gaps and fears regarding naltrexone use.
Main Results:
- Naltrexone can be an effective tool to prevent relapse after release from incarceration.
- Lack of knowledge and ethical concerns are primary reasons for naltrexone underutilization.
- Combining naltrexone with counseling can aid reintegration into society.
Conclusions:
- Ethical use of naltrexone is crucial for treating heroin addiction in incarcerated populations.
- Addressing misinformation and ethical debates can increase naltrexone adoption.
- Naltrexone offers a pathway to break the cycle of addiction, crime, and incarceration.
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