Reduction of Alcohol Drinking in Young Adults by Naltrexone

• DOI: 10.4088/jcp.13m08934
• Publication Date: 2015-02-25T17:57:18Z
• Authors: Stephanie S. O’Ma...; William R. Corbin; Robert F. Leeman; Kelly S. DeMartini; Lisa M. Fucito; Jolomi Ikomi; Denise M. Romano; Ran Wu; Benjamin A. Toll; Kenneth J. Sher; Ralitza Gueorguieva; Henry R. Kranzler
• Keywords: Alcohol Dependence; Narcotic antagonists

Naltrexone, an opioid antagonist, may facilitate reduction in drinking among young adults. We compared the efficacy and safety of naltrexone administered daily plus targeted dosing with placebo to reduce adults who engage heavy drinking.A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted outpatient research center March 2008-January 2012. Participants were aged 18-25 years reported ≥ 4 days prior weeks. Interventions included 25 mg (at most daily) anticipation (n = 61) or daily/targeted 67). All participants received a personalized feedback session brief counseling every other week. Primary outcomes percent abstinent over 8-week treatment period. Secondary number drinks per day percentage estimated blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels 0.08 g/dL.Of 140 randomized patients, 128 began treatment, comprising evaluable sample. During (naltrexone: mean 21.60, SD 16.05; placebo: 22.90, 13.20) (P .58) 56.60, 22.52; 62.50, 15.75) .39) did not differ by group. Naltrexone significantly reduced 4.90, 2.28; 5.90, 2.51) .009) BAC g/dL 35.4, 28.40; 45.7, 26.80) .042). There no serious adverse events. Sleepiness more common naltrexone.Naltrexone frequency days, but secondary measures intensity. While effects modest, risk-benefit ratio favors offering help adult drinkers amount they drink.ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00568958.