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Opioid antagonists in the treatment of alcohol dependence

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Abstract

This article reviews the use of opioid antagonists in the pharmacologic treatment of alcohol dependence. The rationale for using the opioid antagonists naltrexone and nalmefene to prevent relapse in alcohol-dependent subjects is discussed by reviewing past and current clinical trials. The role of psychotherapies, particularly coping skills therapy, in combination with opioid antagonists is highlighted in the presentations of the clinical data. Finally, future research directions for opioid antagonists are discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Harvard Medical School, Alcohol and Drug Abuse Treatment Program, McLean Hospital, 115 Mill Street, 02478, Belmont, MA, USA

    Grace O’Leary MD, Jennifer Borrow MA & Roger D. Weiss MD

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  1. Grace O’Leary MD
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  2. Jennifer Borrow MA
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  3. Roger D. Weiss MD
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O’Leary, G., Borrow, J. & Weiss, R.D. Opioid antagonists in the treatment of alcohol dependence. Curr Psychiatry Rep 3, 484–488 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-001-0042-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-001-0042-x

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