Journal article
Adherence to extended release naltrexone: Patient and treatment characteristics
The American journal on addictions, v 27(6), pp 524-530
Sep 2018
PMID: 30106489
Featured in Collection : UN Sustainable Development Goals @ Drexel
Abstract
Background and Objectives
Despite the promise of extended release naltrexone in the treatment of the opioid and alcohol use disorders, challenges with initiation and subsequent adherence have limited its potential. The purpose of this study is to identify the patient and treatment characteristics associated with adherence to extended release naltrexone.
Methods
Retrospective cohort study of 155 veterans who initiated the medication in FY 2014 and FY2015. Medical records were abstracted for patient and treatment data including preferred drug and utilization of substance use treatment in the year before and after medication initiation.
Results
Sample characteristics include 94% male, 70% domiciled, 60% without current legal problems, 30% employed, and preferred drug being opioids for 55% and alcohol for 45%. The mean of five extended release naltrexone injections did not differ by preferred drug. Treatment variables associated with medication adherence included concurrent substance use residential, individual, group, and psychiatric therapies (all
p
< .05) with inpatient detoxification admissions halved afterward (
p
< .0001) .
Discussion and Conclusions
Whereas most studies of extended release naltrexone have focused on patients with either alcohol or opioid use disorders for 6 months, this study allowed for a direct comparison of adherence in both groups over a year. The average treatment persistence in this veteran sample is greater than described in other public sector studies and may illustrate the importance of concurrent psychosocial therapies.
Scientific Significance
Results extend the findings of other studies and add to an emerging appreciation of the factors associated with treatment retention for extended release naltrexone. (Am J Addict 2018;27:524–530)
Metrics
Details
- Title
- Adherence to extended release naltrexone: Patient and treatment characteristics
- Creators
- Grace Chang - VA Boston Healthcare SystemMitchell Crawford - VA Boston Healthcare SystemMichelle Pitts - VA Boston Healthcare SystemAbigail Z. Schein - VA Boston Healthcare SystemKatherine Goodwin - VA Boston Healthcare SystemJustin L. Enggasser - VA Boston Healthcare System
- Publication Details
- The American journal on addictions, v 27(6), pp 524-530
- Publisher
- Wiley
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Psychiatry
- Web of Science ID
- WOS:000442739200010
- Scopus ID
- 2-s2.0-85052381033
- Other Identifier
- 991021889977404721
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InCites Highlights
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- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- Web of Science research areas
- Substance Abuse