Naltrexone plus group therapy for the treatment of opiate-abusing health-care professionals

The success rate of a treatment program tailored to opioid-abusing health-care professionals that included oral naltrexone and group therapy was studied.

20 opioid-abusing health professionals were treated over a 5-year-period. Clients received an initial assessment, supervised administration of naltrexone, and weekly attendance at a psychotherapy group for health professionals. Naltrexone was administered for the first several months, then patients continued the program without naltrexone.

18 patients were referred to the program after being caught diverting medication. Two patients came spontaneously. Of the 18 referred patients, 12 had no relapses, and 5 had only one relapse, followed by long-term sobriety. Mean overall duration of naltrexone administration was 8 months, and the mean duration in the program was 1.9 years. 94% of referred clients had long term abstinence, and 66% were working in their profession during the program.

Naltrexone in the setting of a structured program is helpful in the treatment and professional reinstatement of opioid abusing health professionals.