Naloxone and the Narcotic Abuser: A Low-Dose Maintenance Program

Abstract

Naloxone (n-allyl-noroxymorphone), a narcotic antagonist, was administered orally, once daily, in a dosage of 200-800 mg to parolees with a history of narcotic abuse in an aftercare facility abstinence program. Among these, 23 displaying evidence of increasing decompensation into episodic opiate usage were transferred to the naloxone program (the transfer group). Another group of 52 was admitted directly to the naloxone program immediately following their release from a correctional institution (the direct admissions group). In the transfer group there were 8 (34.7%) who remained in the program for a period of six months following their transfer and 1 (4.7%) who remained in the program for a period of 12 months. In the direct admissions group there were 31 (59.6%) who remained for six months and 7 (13.4%) who remained for a period of 12 months. The various courses pursued by these subjects and their implications are discussed.