Narcotic Antagonist Treatment: Clinical Experience with Naltrexone

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Abstract
Narcotic antagonist (naltrexone) treatment experience with 22 opioid addicts over a 29 mo. period showed that the mean duration of receipt of naltrexone was 6.2 wk, and 12 subjects (55%) continued in treatment after cessation of naltrexone for an average of 5.6 wk. Analysis of physical and behavioral measures revealed no toxicity, indicating thay naltrexone appears to be a safe drug. Ingestion of naltrexone apparently provided a degree of external control, reducing the preoccupation with heroin and releasing energy for the pursuit of other goals. Subject follow-up at an average of 45.3 wk after cessation of naltrexone indicated that 11 (58%) were abstinent and 9 (47%) subjects were employed compared with 3 (16%) employed at the onset of treatment.