Abstract
This report provides preliminary data regarding compliance rates of naltrexone (NTX) treatment for 99 consecutive heroin addicts. NTX was administered orally after a 3-13-day drug induction period. Fifteen out of the 99 patients who underwent naloxone challenges are still being treated (having taken NTX for less than 6 months to date). Of the 52 patients who completed the drug induction period, 22 (41.31%) showed satisfactory results (in terms of treatment complicance and/or opiate-free conditions at 6-month follow-up). The 52 patients who properly started regular NTX assumption stayed the treatment for a mean 17.04 ± 8.2 weeks. These results would demonstrate a higher than average success with NTX treatment of randomly selected heroin addicts with respect to the literature and would seem related to particularly favorable socio-cultural conditions in northern Italy (where the study was carried out).
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 144-146 |
| Number of pages | 3 |
| Journal | International Journal of Clinical Pharmacology Therapy and Toxicology |
| Volume | 28 |
| Issue number | 4 |
| Publication status | Published - 11 Jul 1990 |
| Externally published | Yes |