Naltrexone: a short-term treatment for opiate dependence.

The narcotic antagonist, naltrexone, was studied in 242 patients during a 6-year period. Although a large number of subjects discontinued naltrexone abruptly, treatment was related to a significant decrease in opiate and nonopiate drug use. Methods for improving retention during induction and maintenance are discussed and posttreatment outcome results are presented. The authors conclude that naltrexone may be a useful short-term treatment option for opiate dependence.