The use of naltrexone to treat ambulatory patients with alcohol dependence.
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of Naltrexone in decreasing craving symptoms among Puerto Rican male veterans with alcohol dependence.


METHODS
This is a double blind placebo control study with a convenience sample of eleven patients divided in two groups (placebo and Naltrexone). Scales consisting of Zung Depression, Zung Anxiety, MMSE, OCD Screener, Craving, and Somatization were administered at baseline, and weekly for four weeks as follow up.


RESULTS
There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups on any of the outcome variables at baseline or follow up measurements. A statistical trend was noted toward a decrease in somatization. A decrease in craving symptoms was observed in the experimental group.


CONCLUSIONS
Even though our results did not show evidence of the efficacy of Naltrexone in decreasing craving symptoms, a small number of patients did benefit from the medication. The results could have been affected by the small sample size.
Galarza
N J
NJ
Department of Psychiatry, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan.
Díaz Ramírez
D
D
Guzmán
F
F
Caballero
J A
JA
Martínez
A J
AJ
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D000553:Ambulatory Care; D001007:Anxiety / Q000188:drug therapy; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy; D003863:Depression / Q000188:drug therapy; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009271:Naltrexone / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009771:Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011581:Psychological Tests; D013001:Somatoform Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D009271:Naltrexone