Naloxone and the narcotic abuser: A controlled study of partial blockade

Within the framework of an ongoing urine monitoring program, 119 paroled narcotic addicts were randomly assigned to either urine monitoring alone (concurrent control) or to double-blind treatment with either placebo or Naloxone at a partial blockade dosage level (200 to 800 mg daily). Outcome assessments at 6 and 9 months tended to favor "pill-takers" over concurrent controls. Although there were no significant differences between placebo and Naloxone in terms of retention rates and the maintenance of complete abstinence, there was considerably less narcotic drug use by Naloxone-treated subjects. Side effects were judged to be minimal and of little consequence. The importance of motivation on the part of the addict in the narcotic antagonist approach is stressed.