Abstract |
A group of 58 heroin addicts were treated with naltrexone and behavior therapy and followed for 5 years. At one-year post-treatment, almost half of the naltrexone-treated subjects were opiate free. Follow-up results at 5 years post-treatment indicate that over 90% of those patients treated with naltrexone became re-addicted for various periods of time. However, naltrexone-treated subjects did feel their treatment with naltrexone had provided them with the ability to remain opiate free for blocks of time. The results suggest that naltrexone is not a "cure" for opiate dependence, but is a medication which can be useful in protecting patients from re-addiction and is a modality patients should be encouraged to return to if they feel vulnerable to re-addiction.
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Authors | R A Rawson, F S Tennant Jr |
Journal | NIDA research monograph
(NIDA Res Monogr)
Vol. 49
Pg. 289-95
(Mar 1984)
ISSN: 1046-9516 [Print] United States |
PMID | 6434974
(Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article)
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Chemical References |
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Topics |
- Adult
- Behavior Therapy
(methods)
- Combined Modality Therapy
- Follow-Up Studies
- Heroin Dependence
(rehabilitation)
- Humans
- Male
- Naloxone
(analogs & derivatives)
- Naltrexone
(therapeutic use)
- Recurrence
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