title: Predictors of Continued Use of Extended-Released Naltrexone (XR-NTX) for Opioid-Dependence: An Analysis of Heroin and Non-Heroin Opioid Users in Los Angeles County.
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.
authors.affiliation: University of California, Los Angeles, Integrated Substance Abuse Programs, 11075 Santa Monica Blvd., Suite 200, Los Angeles, CA, USA 90025. Electronic address: SarahJCousins@ucla.edu.
authors.forename: Sarah J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Cousins
authors.affiliation: University of California, Los Angeles, Integrated Substance Abuse Programs, 11075 Santa Monica Blvd., Suite 200, Los Angeles, CA, USA 90025; Isfahan University of Medical Science, Hezar Jerib Avenue, Isfahan, Iran 81745.
authors.forename: Seyed Ramin
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Radfar
authors.affiliation: University of California, Los Angeles, Integrated Substance Abuse Programs, 11075 Santa Monica Blvd., Suite 200, Los Angeles, CA, USA 90025.
authors.forename: Desirée
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Crèvecoeur-MacPhail
authors.affiliation: University of California, Los Angeles, Integrated Substance Abuse Programs, 11075 Santa Monica Blvd., Suite 200, Los Angeles, CA, USA 90025.
authors.forename: Alfonso
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ang
authors.affiliation: University of California, Los Angeles, Integrated Substance Abuse Programs, 11075 Santa Monica Blvd., Suite 200, Los Angeles, CA, USA 90025.
authors.forename: Kendall
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Darfler
authors.affiliation: University of California, Los Angeles, Integrated Substance Abuse Programs, 11075 Santa Monica Blvd., Suite 200, Los Angeles, CA, USA 90025.
authors.forename: Richard A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Rawson
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D066249:Craving / Q000502:physiology; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D005260:Female; D006556:Heroin Dependence / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D015141:Los Angeles; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009271:Naltrexone / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D009292:Narcotic Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009293:Opioid-Related Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy*; D015819:Substance Abuse, Intravenous
chemical_list: D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D009292:Narcotic Antagonists; D009271:Naltrexone
keywords: Extended-release naltrexone; Heroin; Medication-assisted treatment; Opioid use disorder; Opioids