NCJ Number
190063
Journal
Drug and Alcohol Review Volume: 20 Issue: 2 Dated: June 2001 Pages: 213-221
Date Published
June 2001
Length
9 pages
Annotation
The primary aim of this Australian study was to measure the acceptability to stable methadone maintenance clients of accelerated withdrawal using a standardized protocol of naltrexone and minimal sedation.
Abstract
Other study objectives were to provide a first assessment of the probable demand for such treatment, characterize the withdrawal experience, and describe the outcomes for the clients who used naltrexone for maintenance therapy for 3 months following withdrawal. The study used an open label observational study of 14 stable, methadone maintenance program clients within the Australian Capital Territory. The study found a high degree of acceptability to clients and staff of the withdrawal approach. Three phases of withdrawal were identified over a 3-week period. There was rapid attrition from naltrexone maintenance over 3 months of follow-up and a return to dependent opiate use in four clients. The study concluded that the protocol was a humane, effective approach to accelerated withdrawal from methadone maintenance. It was a useful modification to ultra-rapid and other rapid withdrawal techniques. Naltrexone maintenance has a limited potential role in this group of subjects. This role also requires further clarification through well-designed randomized clinical trials. 2 tables, 3 figures, and 23 references