EFFECT OF NALTREXONE ON HUMAN ALCOHOL-CONSUMPTION

Opioid neurotransmitter systems have been shown to mediate certain asp ects of alcohol consumption in animals and in humans. Use of opioid an tagonists appears to decrease alcohol consumption in animals. Controll ed clinical trials have indicated that alcohol-dependent subjects who are treated with a combination of naltrexone, an opioid antagonist, an d traditional psychological and social therapies consume less alcohol and have lower relapse rates. The neurobiological mechanisms by which naltrexone acts to reduce alcohol consumption are still being investig ated; however, there is evidence that naltrexone modifies the reinforc ing effects of alcohol. Some researchers suggest that the reinforcing stimulant effects of alcohol and other psychoactive substances play a primary role in initiating and maintaining substance abuse and depende nce. These effects may be mediated through the action of endogenous op ioids. This article discusses the possible mechanisms of action of nal trexone and reviews human and animal studies that support the use of n altrexone in the treatment of alcohol dependence.