Bart, G. (2012). Maintenance medication for opiate addiction: The foundation of recovery
Journal of Addictive Diseases, 31(3), 207-225. doi: 10.1080/10550887.2012.694598
The purpose was to provide a topical review of the 3 medications approved by FDA for long-
term treatment of opiate dependence: methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone. Further work
is needed to directly compare each medication and determine individual factors that can assist in
medication selection. Each of the 3 has superior treatment outcomes to nonmedication-based
therapies althousgh methadone and BUP appear superior to oral and intramuscular NTX. A
Dreifuss, J.A., Griffin, M.L., et al. (2013). Patient characteristics associated with
buprenorphine/naloxone treatment outcome for prescription opioid dependence: Results
from a multisite study. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 131, 112-118. http://0-
dx.doi.org.helin.uri.edu/10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2012.12.010
A secondary analysis was performed to examine the baseline characteristics associated with
success during 12-week buprenorphine treatment. It was found that a successful outcome
generally included older patients with a past-year or lifetime diagnosis of MDD, who initially
obtained opioids for pain, only used sublingual or swallowed, never used heroin, used anything
other than oxycodone most frequently, and had no prior opioid dependence treatment. This is
the first study to examine characteristics associated with treatment outcome on exclusively
prescription opioids. Population size was 360.
Dunn, K.E, Defulio, A., et al. (2013). Employment-based reinforcement of adherence to oral
naltrexone treatment in unemployed injection drug users. Experimental And Clinical Psychopharmacology, 21(1), 74-83. doi:10.1037/a0030743
Previous interventions to improve adherence have included monetary and integrated
psychosocial treatments both in the short term. New methods are needed to develop long-term
efficacy with the oral treatment as the injection is much more expensive.
Foster, B, Twycross, R, et al. (2013). Buprenorphine. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, 45(5), 939-949. doi: http://0-
dx.doi.org.helin.uri.edu/10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2013.03.001
According to this article, there are currently great advances in the management of pain in both
cancer and other disorders. The pharmacology of buprenorphine is also discussed.
Buprenorphine acts as a partial mu-opioid receptor and opioid-like-receptor agonist as well as a
kappa and delta-opioid antagonist. It associates and dissociates slowly.
Furst, T.R. (2013). Suboxone Misuse Along the Opiate Maintenance Treatment Pathway.
Journal of Addictive Diseases, 32(1), 53-67. doi: 10.1080/10550887.2012.759860
The purpose was to explore strategies employed by Suboxone misusers while in treatment and
identify strategies implemented by patients who intermittently use opiates/opioids while in
Suboxone treatment. An ethnographic interview with 14 patients with screen for particular
characteristics/indicators was performed. It was found that drug diversion (sell pills, strips) is
common. The number of deaths is approaching equal to vehicular accident deaths. Stronger
treatment is required to eliminate the economic and social costs.
Gastfriend, D.R. (2011). Intramuscular extended-release naltrexone (XR-NTX): current
evidence. Annals of the New York Academy of Science, 1216(1), 144-166. doi:
This article contains information on the development of XR-NTX and its approval for opioid
dependence in 2010. The results of the Krupitsky study referenced in the FDA’s approval are
discussed. XR-NTX’s use is also examined with stimulants, in combination with psychosocial
management, and for the feasibility of its use in the “real world” (Gastfriend, 154).
Giuliano, C., Robbins, T.W., et al. (2013). Attenuation of Cocaine and Heroin Seeking by mu-
opioid receptor antagonism. Psychopharmacology, 227(1), 137-147. doi:
This was a behavioral based animal (rat) study that compared naltrexone v. GSK1521498 (a
novel opioid antagonist being investigated with eating behavior).
Harrison, T.S., Plosker, G.L., et al. (2006). Extended-release intramuscular naltrexone. Drugs,
The purpose of this study was to find ways to improve treatment adherence in patients treated
with naltrexone for alcohol dependence. In combination with psychosocial therapy, naltrexone
reduced heavy drinking over a 6-month period relative to placebo and was more likely to
maintain abstinence. XR-NTX was generally well-tolerated. Factors examined were
psychodynamic profile, pharmacokinetic profile, therapeutic efficacy, tolerability, dosage and
administration, and current status. Side effects included nausea, injection site reaction, and
Krupitsky, E., Nunes, E.V., et al. (2011). Injectable extended-release naltrexone for opioid
dependence: a double-blind, placebo controlled, multivariate randomized trial. The Lancet, 377(9776), 1506-1513. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(11)60358-9
The purpose here was to assess efficiency, safety, and patient-reported outcomes of an injectable,
once monthly extended-release formulation of the opioid antagonist naltrexone (XR-NTX) for
treatment of OD patients after detox. A double-blind, placebo controlled, randomized 24-week
trial of patients with opioid dependence disorder was employed with participants randomly
assigned (1:1) to 380 XR-NTX or placebo. Participants also receive 12 biweekly counseling
sessions. The primary endpoint was a response profile for confirmed abstinence during weeks 5-
24 assessed by urine drugs tests and self-report of non-use. A secondary endpoint was self-
reported opioid-free days, opioid craving scores, number of days of retention and relapse to
physiological opioid dependence. Of 250 participants a 90% median abstinence XR-NTX to
35% placebo was found with self-reported opioid free days at a median of 99.2% compared to
60.4%. Mean change in craving went down by -10.7 compared to 0.7 and median retention of
168 days compared to 96 days. 1 relapse occurred with XR-NTX and 17 in placebo. Each was
well-tolerated with only 8 in each group discontinuing due to adverse effects.
Lee, J.D., Grossman, E., et al. (2012). Extended-release naltrexone plus medical management
alcohol treatment in primary care: Findings at 15 months. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 43(4), 458-462. doi: 10.1016/j.jsat.2012.08.012.
The purpose was to determine the feasibility of XR-NTX long-term for alcohol treatment. A 12-
week observational trial of XR-NTX plus medical management (MM) in primary care was
performed. An additional 48 weeks of XR-NTX treatment (12 additional monthly injections) was
also offered. Of 65 alcohol dependent, 40 (62%) completed initial 12 weeks and 19 (29%)
continued treatment for a median 38 weeks total. Low self-reported drinking days among
extension participants median 0.2 vs. 6.0 drinks/day; 82 v. 38% days abstinent; 11 v. 61% heavy
Lin, S. (2013). Pharmacological means of reducing human drug dependence: A selective and
narrative review of the clinical literature. British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 1-
This source includes definitions regarding addiction as well as a review of naltrexone efficacy.
Various drugs were also reviewed in terms of the anti-craving effect that they produce.
Lobmaier, P., Kornor, H., et al. (2008). Sustained-release Naltrexone for opioid dependence.
The Cochrane Library, 3, 53. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD006140.pub2
The purpose here was to evaluate the effectiveness of sustained-release naltrexone for opioid
dependence and its adverse effects in different study populations. To do so databases were
searched: MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINHAL ,LILACS, PsychINFO, ISI Web of Science,
clinicaltrials.gov. Treatment condition was extended to include alcohol dependent subjects and
healthy volunteers. Analyses were performed separately for opioid dependent, alcohol dependent
and healthy participants. It was found that of 2 dosages of NTX injections (192 and 384 mg)
compared to placebo, high-dose significantly increased days in treatment compared to placebo,
high-dose compared to low-dose significantly increased days in treatment, number of patients
retained in treatment didn’t show significant differences between groups. Adverse effects (17 –
6 were RCTs) were more frequent in naltrexone groups compared to placebo. In alcohol
dependent samples, more frequent in low-dose. And in OD, not significant.
Mark, T.L., Kassed, C.A., et al. (2008). Alcohol and Opioid Dependence Medication:
Prescription trends, overall and by physician specialty. Drug and Alcohol Dependence.
99(1), 345-349. http://0-dx.doi.org.helin.uri.edu/10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2008.07.018
Includes a table demonstrating the growth of different medication distribution from 2003-2007.
Mooney, L.J., Nielsen, S., et al. (2013). Cocaine use reduction with buprenorphine (CURB):
Rationale, design, and methodology. Contemporary Clinical Trials, 34(2), 196-204.
http://0-dx.doi.org.helin.uri.edu/10.1016/j.cct.2012.11.002
Effective medications to treat cocaine dependence haven’t been identified. The purpose here
was to examine efficacy and safety of sublingual BUP in presence of XR-NTX for cocaine
dependence. A multi-site (11) placebo-controlled double-blind (N=300) study was performed.
XR-NTX was employed after 7 days abstinence followed by oral naltrexone then 1 of 3 possible
conditions for 8 weeks, and a follow-up with CBT. This study is currently ongoing.
Nielsen, S., Hillhouse, M., et al. (2012). Comparing Buprenorphine induction experience with
heroin and prescription opioid users. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 43(3), 285-
290. http://0-dx.doi.org.helin.uri.edu/10.1016/j.jsat.2011.12.009,
Prescription opioid use is more common but most research on treatment of opioid dependent
populations has been conducted in heroin users. The purpose here was to compare through
secondary data analysis, the BUP induction experience of 167 heroin and 61 PO users through
ASI, Visual Analog Craving Scales (VAS), clinical opiate withdrawal scale (COWS) Beck
Depression Inventory (BDI), short form-36 health survey, dose log and demographics (gender,
age, ethnicity/race, education, employment pattern, marital status). It was found that although
some baseline characteristics differ, many of the key induction variables were comparable
between the groups. No differences were found for self-reported craving and withdrawal scores,
mean buprenorphine dose on day 1, or retention at end of the first week. Existing BUP induction
practices developed for heroin users appear to be equally effective with PO users.
Reece, A.S. (2009). Comparative treatment and mortality correlates and adverse event profile of
implant naltrexone and sublingual buprenorphine. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 37(3), 256-265. doi: 10.1016/j.jsat.2009.03.008
The purpose was to review treatment correlates of previously prevented mortality data and of
adverse events as result of increasing interest in use of XR-NTX. Groups of N=255 NTX and
N=2,518 BUP were followed for 1,322.22 and 8,030.02 patient-years respectively. It was found
that NTX patients had significantly longer days in treatment per episode, total treatment
duration, and mean treatment times, but fewer treatment episodes than BUP. Local tissue
reaction occurred in 1% of 200 NTX episodes. In conclusion, NTX economizes treatment
resources without compromising safety concerns.
Sigmon, S.C., Dunn, K.E., et al. Brief buprenorphine detoxification for treatment of prescription
opioid dependence: A pilot study. Addictive Behaviors, 34(3), 304-311. http://0-
dx.doi.org.helin.uri.edu/10.1016/j.addbeh.2008.11.017
The purpose here was to determine the feasibility of brief outpatient detoxification as treatment
for prescription opioid (PO) abusers. Dosing was given in a double-blind, double-dummy
manner of BUP/naloxone and a color-matched placebo, both sublingual. 15 adults enrolled for
BUP stabilization, 2-week BUP taper, and subsequent naltrexone once the taper was completed.
They also received behavioral therapy, urinalysis monitoring, and double-blind drug
administration. It was found that 83.8%, 91.7% and 31.2% had opioid-negative samples during
stablilization, taper, and naltrexone phases, respectively. Post-hoc analyses examined
characteristics of subjects who successfully completed the taper (n=5) versus those who failed
(n=9). This suggests that PO abusers may respond to brief BUP detox.
Sullivan, M.A., Garawi, F., et al. (2007). Management of relapse in naltrexone maintenance for
heroin dependence. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 91(2-3), 289-292. http://0-
dx.doi.org.helin.uri.edu/10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2007.06.013
The purpose was to identify critical determinants of relapses to opioid use during naltrexone
maintenance. Time retained in treatment was examined as a function of whether lapses occurred
while adherent to naltrexone (blocked use) or after having missed dose (unblocked). There was a
population of N =83 DSM-IV positive for OD participants who also had a significant other
participating in treatment. Following inpatient detoxification, each was enrolled in a 26-week
outpatient course of therapy and naltrexone maintenance. It was found that unblocked use had a
high rate of dropout (10% retained at 6 months) dropout occurring within 2 weeks after
unblocked use. Only blocked had less dropout (33% retained at 6 months). Episodes of blocked
use were often followed by unblocked use and dropout. Extended release may help overcome
Swift, R., Oslin, D., Alexander, M., & Forman, R. (2011). Adherence monitoring in naltrexone
pharmacotherapy trials: a systematic review. Journal Of Studies On Alcohol And Drugs,
Comprehensive Review of efficacy trials using Vivitrol. Includes sources for 4 reviewed meta-
The Betty Ford Institute Consensus Panel. (2007). What is recovery? A Working definition from
the Betty Ford Institute. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 33(3), 221-228. doi:
“Recovery from substance dependence is a voluntarily-maintaned lifestyle characterized by
sobriety, personal health and citizenship” (222). The consensus panel decided on a final
definition and a list of questions to determine one’s condition post treatment.
Thomas, C.P., Garnick, D.W., et al. (2013). Establishing the feasibility of measuring
performance in use of addiction pharmacotherapy. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 45(1), 11-18. http://0-dx.doi.org.helin.uri.edu/10.1016/j.jsat.2013.01.004
The purpose was to present rationale and feasibility of standardized performance measures for
use of a pharmacotherapy in treatment of substance use disorders (SUD). Methods involved
designing and standardized performance measures for use with SUD. Pharmacotherapy was
applied in national data across a disparate set of covered populations
Tkacz, J., Severt, J., et al. (2012). Compliance with buprenorphine medication-assisted treatment
and relapse to opioid use. American Journal on Addictions, 21(1), 55-62. doi:
The purpose was to determine the effect of compliance with buprenorphine on reducing relapse
among sample of patients in treatment for opioid dependency. Those new to BUP (N=703)
completed the Addiction Severity Index at baseline and 1-3 weeks post baseline. Compliance
was defined as taking BUP 22/28 days (80%) and relapse was defined as resumed use of opioids
during follow-up (months 2 and 3). It was found that noncompliant patients were over 1o times
more likely to relapse than those who were compliant. Neither demographics nor base ASI
Woody, G.E., Poole, S.A., et al. (2011). Extended versus short-term Buprenorphine-Naloxone
for treatment of opioid-addicted youth: A randomized trial. Journal of American Medical Association, 300(17), 2057-2059. doi: 10.1001/jama.2008.574
The purpose was to evaluate efficacy of continuing buprenorphine-naloxone for 12 weeks versus
detoxification for opioid-addicted youth. A clinical trial was performed at 6 community
programs with N=152, 15-21 years old. Trials were randomized to 12 weeks of BUP-Nal or a 14
day taper detox. Patients in 12 week prescribed up to 24 mg/day for 9 weeks then tapered to
week 12. Detox group was prescribed up to 14 mg/day then tapered to day 14. All were offered
weekly individual and group counseling. Outcome was measured by opioid urine tests during
weeks 4,8, and 12. Overall, it was found that patients had higher opioid-positive test results at
weeks 4 and 8 but not 12. Week 4: 59 detox v. 58 12-week. Week 12: 16 of 78 detox remained
in treatment v. 52 of 74 12-week BUP. Week 1-12: 12-week reported less opioid use, less
injecting, and less nonstudy addiction treatment. Continued treatment improved compared to
(2010). FDA Moves Closer to Approving Vivitrol for Opioid Dependence. Alcoholism and
The FDA is concerned about culture differences between Russia and the US as the only study
referenced for approval was performed in Russia.
(2011). FDA Says OK to give Vivitrol or Suboxone Without Counseling.
Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Weekly, 23. 4-5. doi: 10.1002/adaw
Trials that led to approval of using both medications occurred with counseling, however, the
decision to use counseling in tandem with the medication is “considered practice of medicine,
FDA doesn’t regulate practice of medicine”.
Internationally known endocrinologist and cancer researcher Understanding the biology of estrogen receptors, et al. Recent: development of selective hormonal agents for breast cancer treatment and prevention Numerous awards, honors and special fellowships from governmental, private and academic institutions: MERIT Award (199-1999) from the National Cancer Institute at the National Institutes of
Wednesday May 01 Friday 03 Sunday 05 New York - (II, The Episcopal Newcastle - (York, England) Tuesday 07 New Jersey - (II, The Episcopal Church) + Andrew Dietsche Church) + George Councell Ngbo - (Enugu, Nigeria) Western New York - (II, The Assistant Bishop of Newcastle - Episcopal Church) + William (York, England) + Francis