Study: Naltrexone Use Prevents Relapse of Opioid Dependency

Using a once-monthly extended-release naltrexone intramuscular injection is an effective way to prevent opioid dependency relapse after detoxification, according to findings presented at the Annual U.S. Psychiatric and Mental Health Congress and a Medscape Medical News report. The year-long study was an extension of the original study that resulted in the drug's approval in Oct. 2010. Researchers looked at 67 previously treated patients and 47 patients who switched from placebo therapy. At the end of the trail, slightly more than half the patients were completely abstinent from opioid use.

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