Effects of naltrexone on cue-elicited craving for alcohol and cocaine

Drug Alcohol Depend. 1997 Dec;49(1):9-16. doi: 10.1016/s0376-8716(97)00134-8.

Abstract

This study examined the effects of naltrexone (50 mg/day) on mood and self-reported desire for alcohol and cocaine in 26 patients with comorbid alcohol and cocaine abuse/dependence. Two laboratory sessions were conducted, separated by 1 week. During the sessions, subjects viewed 5-min films containing either cocaine, alcohol, or neutral cues. The first session occurred prior to random assignment to medication group and the second session was held after 1 week of double-blind treatment with either naltrexone or placebo. The cocaine-related film induced a greater desire to use cocaine than the desire for alcohol that was induced by the alcohol-related film. This finding was observed using both a simple, one-item analog scale administered during the films and more complex craving questionnaires administered immediately after the films. Collectively, the alcohol and cocaine-related films evoked greater levels of self-reported anxiety and elation, and lower levels of concentration, than the neutral film. Naltrexone did not differ from placebo in reducing the desire to use either cocaine or alcohol.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Comparative Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Affect / drug effects
  • Alcoholism / complications*
  • Alcoholism / diagnosis
  • Alcoholism / drug therapy*
  • Cocaine-Related Disorders / complications*
  • Cocaine-Related Disorders / diagnosis
  • Cocaine-Related Disorders / drug therapy*
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Naltrexone / pharmacology*
  • Narcotic Antagonists / pharmacology
  • Narcotic Antagonists / therapeutic use*
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Time Factors
  • Visual Perception / physiology*

Substances

  • Narcotic Antagonists
  • Naltrexone