Client demographics and outcome in outpatient cocaine treatment.

A number of studies have begun to investigate the characteristics of cocaine abusers who are admitted to outpatient cocaine treatment programs. One study has published success rates for such treatment. A review of this literature indicates that much of what is known is based on clinical experience with what may be nonrepresentative samples of upper-middle socioeconomic status Caucasians.

Naltrexone: lack of effect on hepatic enzymes.

A number of studies have established the clinical efficacy of naltrexone in the treatment of opiate addiction. However, questions have been raised regarding its hepatotoxic potential and warnings have been given prominence in the package insert regarding its use for those with even less severe liver disease. The current study monitored 53 male patients receiving naltrexone 350 mg weekly for 12 weeks.

Retention and outcome in a narcotic antagonist treatment program.

Investigations of outpatient narcotic antagonist programs have found high attribution rates when compared to such modalities as methadone. Moreover, outcome studies generally are lacking. The present study followed 50 patients through their course of treatment at an outpatient clinic of the Nassau County Department of Drug and Alcohol Addiction.

Naltrexone treatment in a jail work-release program.

Inmates with a history of opiate addiction have traditionally been excluded from jail work-release programs because of their high likelihood of returning to drug use. In 1972, a new jail work-release program was begun in the Nassau County (New York) Jail, to which addicted inmates, who had formerly been excluded automatically, could request admission if they took the opiate blocking agent naltrexone. Inmates received naltrexone twice a week and had routine urine checks for drugs of abuse and an alcohol breath test when indicated.