title: The naloxone test for opiate dependence.
abstract: Naloxone tests for opiate dependence were given to 296 applicants for treatment with the surrogate opiate levomethadyl acetate (LAAM, levo-alpha-acetylmethadol) and to 103 applicants for treatment with the opiate antagonist naltrexone. Thirty-five of the 296 LAAM applicants applied first for LAAM, then following detoxification, for naltrexone. There was a dramatic decrease in withdrawal signs and symptoms when the subject went from opiate-dependent to a nondependent state. From our experience, we devised a scoring guide and testing procedure based on objective signs. We propose a 2-step test, with an initial intramuscular dose, then (if necessary) an intravenous dose, to determine an applicant's eligibility for surrogate opiate or narcotic antagonist treatment.
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D007273:Injections, Intramuscular; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D008692:Methadyl Acetate / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009270:Naloxone / Q000008:administration & dosage; D009271:Naltrexone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009294:Narcotics / Q000652:urine; D009293:Opioid-Related Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000652:urine; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000139:chemically induced
chemical_list: D009294:Narcotics; D009270:Naloxone; D009271:Naltrexone; D008692:Methadyl Acetate