The naloxone test for opiate dependence

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Abstract
Naloxone tests for opiate dependence were given to 296 [human] applicants for treatment with the surrogate opiate levomethadyl acetate (LAAM, L-.alpha.-acetylmethadol) and to 103 applicants for treatment with the opiate antagonist naltrexone. Of the 296 LAAM applicants, 35 applied first for LAAM, then following detoxification, for naltrexone. There was a dramatic decrease in withdrawal signs and symptoms when the subject went from an opiate-dependent to a nondependent state. A scoring guide and testing procedure were devised based on objective signs. A 2-step test with an initial i.m. dose, then (if necessary) an i.v. dose, is proposed to determine an applicant''s eligibility for surrogate opiate or narcotic antagonist treatment.

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