EFFECT OF NALTREXONE ON SUBJECTIVE ALCOHOL RESPONSE IN SUBJECTS AT HIGH AND LOW-RISK FOR FUTURE ALCOHOL DEPENDENCE

We investigated specific subjective effects of naltrexone pretreatment or placebo during various intervals on the breath alcohol level (BAL) curve in nonalcoholic volunteers. Fifteen high-risk (social drinkers with an alcoholic father) and 14 low-risk (no alcoholic relatives in a t least two generations) subjects were tested in a double-blind, place bo-controlled study of the effects of 50 mg oral naltrexone on respons e to a moderate dose of alcohol. Dependent measures included subjectiv e stimulation and sedation subscales from the Biphasic Alcohol Effects Scale (BAES) and mood subscales from the Profile of Mood States (POMS ). At rising BALs, high-risk subjects showed a naltrexone-related atte nuation of BAES stimulation. This effect was not evident in low-risk s ubjects, who directionally showed the opposite effect, although nonsig nificant. For both groups, there were no significant naltrexone-relate d effects for BAES sedation; however, naltrexone did affect several PO MS scales on alcohol response, such as decreased vigor, and increased fatigue, tension, and confusion. Confusion was significantly elevated for the high-risk group during rising BALs of the naltrexone session. The results suggest a differential response to naltrexone, based on pa ternal history of alcoholism and level of stimulation experienced duri ng alcohol drinking.