Citation

Cousins SJ, Radfar SR, Crèvecoeur-MacPhail D, Ang A, Darfler K, Rawson RA. J. Subst. Abuse Treat. 2016; 63: 66-71.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.jsat.2015.12.004

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Extended-release naltrexone (XR-NTX) is associated with an increased number of opioid-free days, improved adherence rates in substance use disorder treatment programs, and reduced cravings and drug-seeking behaviors. There is little evidence on the predictive associations between baseline characteristics of opioid-dependent patients and XR-NTX utilization. Some studies have demonstrated better pharmacotherapy adherence and/or retention rates among non-heroin opioid users compared to heroin users. This study examines predictive associations between characteristics of patients and XR-NTX utilization, as well as participants' urge to use opiates. Our findings suggest that XR-NTX may contribute to decreases in urges to use among both heroin and non-heroin opioid users. Non-heroin opioid users and heroin users were retained in XR-NTX treatment for comparable periods of time. However, those who identified as homeless, injected opioids (regardless of opioid-type), or were diagnosed with a mental illness were less likely to be retained in treatment with XR-NTX.

Language: en