title: Targeted naltrexone treatment of early problem drinkers.
abstract: Naltrexone is approved for daily use in the treatment of alcohol dependence. We evaluated the feasibility of using targeted naltrexone (i.e., on an "as-needed" basis) to treat early problem drinkers. Twenty-one subjects (52% male) received brief coping skills training weekly for 4 weeks, along with naltrexone (50 mg), which they were instructed to use 2 to 5 times per week in anticipation of high-risk drinking situations. During treatment, statistically and clinically significant declines were observed across a variety of drinking-related outcomes, including the intensity of drinking, the decline in which was correlated with medication use. Beneficial effects of the intervention were still evident during the 3-month posttreatment period. Further research, including a placebo-controlled evaluation of targeted naltrexone, is needed to determine the optimal treatment strategy for early problem drinkers, many of whom are seen in the primary-care medical setting.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington 06030-2103, USA.
authors.forename: H R
authors.initials: HR
authors.lastname: Kranzler
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Tennen
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Penta
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Bohn
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009271:Naltrexone / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D009292:Narcotic Antagonists / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D012307:Risk Factors; D012931:Social Environment
chemical_list: D009292:Narcotic Antagonists; D009271:Naltrexone