Naltrexone Underused to Treat Alcohol Dependence

A
number of clinical trials have demonstrated naltrexone’s efficacy
in treating alcohol dependence. Practice guidelines suggest
prescribing the drug for at least 3 months or longer, depending
on need. To determine the frequency and duration of naltrexone
use, researchers analyzed insurance claims of 1.5 million health
plan members with prescription drug and behavioral health benefits,
and assessed filled prescriptions for the drug from 2000 to 2002.

Less
than 10% of plan members who received treatment for alcohol dependence
received naltrexone. This proportion did not differ over
the 3 years studied. Approximately one half of the naltrexone
prescriptions were supplied for 30 days or fewer.

Comments:

Despite

demonstrated efficacy, naltrexone is not being prescribed

frequently, nor is it being prescribed for adequate courses

of treatment. Efforts are needed to disseminate proven
effective treatments for alcohol dependence, like naltrexone,
into clinical practice.

Richard
Saitz, MD, MPH

Reference:

Harris

KM, DeVries A, Dimidjian K. Trends in naltrexone
use among members of a large private health plan. Psychiatr
Serv. 2004;55(3):221.
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