THE EFFICACY OF NALTREXONE IN PREVENTING REABUSE OF HEROIN AFTER DETOXIFICATION

The efficacy of Naltrexone in preventing reabuse of heroin among heroi n addicts in Israel was studied in a double-blind, controlled design. Naltrexone (or placebo) treatment was given as part of a general treat ment plan that continued for 12 weeks. Thirty-two addicts who successf ully completed a detoxification program and met research criteria, wer e included in the study. Fifty milligrams of Naltrexone were taken ora lly three times a week (25 mg twice a week for the first 2 weeks). The follow-lip procedure included an interview urine tests, and screening for possible adverse effects. In addition, social and psychological p arameters were evaluated. Fewer heroin-positive urine tests were found the Naltrexone group than in the placebo group. Throughout the entire study, the number of drug-free patients in the Naltrexone group was h igher than in the placebo group. The Naltrexone group showed a signifi cant improvement in most psychological parameters as compared with the placebo group. No differences were found in compliance or ratio of ad verse effects between the Naltrexone and placebo groups. The concept ' 'heroin abuse load'' based on daily heroin consumption and duration of addiction enabled Its to predict which addicts would complete the tre atment program. The results suggest that heroin addicts in Israel may benefit from treatment with Naltrexone.