Naltrexone and its effect on craving and alcohol use among ADS patients: Report from a drug dependence treatment centre in North India.

Document Type : Short Communication(s)

Authors

1 National Drug Dependence Treatment Center, Department of Psychiatry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi, India.

2 NATIONAL DRUG DEPENDENCE TREATMENT CENTRE, ALL INDIA INSTITUTE OF MEDICAL SCIENCES, DELHI, INDIA

3 National Drug Dependence Treatment Center, Department of Psychiatry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi India

4 National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre, AIIMS, New Delhi

Abstract

Background:



Naltrexone is an FDA-approved anti-craving agent for the long-term treatment of ADS. However, it may not be equally effective in all patients. This study aims to assess the response of naltrexone treatment in a national-level tertiary care setting, over four weeks.

Methods:

Male ADS patients (n=100) who were initiated on naltrexone were included in the study. The clinical data including the drinking pattern and craving was recorded at baseline. At the end of the one-month follow-up, the drinking status and compliance with naltrexone were recorded.

Results & Conclusion:

At the end of one month, more than half of the patients (n=53) were retained in the study. All the treatment-retained patients (n=53) reported consumption of naltrexone for more than 24 days in the last month. Those who retained in the study reported significantly less craving among 72% of patients while an almost 50% reduction in alcohol use was observed. This adds to the evidence of outcomes with naltrexone in terms of reduction in craving and alcohol consumption.

Keywords

Addiction & Health

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 01 May 2024

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