Use of naltrexone in opiate- addiction in the region Campania: the role of the family

In Italy, naltrexone for the treatment of opioid dependence is frequently administered toopiate-dependent patients sent for treatment via special treatment facilities, the Public Servicesfor Treatment of Drug Addition (SERT). In the region Campania, prescription data showedthat the use of naltrexone outside SERT is higher compared to the other regions of Italy. Thisstudy was carried out in order to identify factors that influence the higher utilization ofnaltrexone outside SERT in Campania. Three-hundred and fifty patients followed by 13 SERTshave been evaluated. Twenty per cent of patients withdrew from the trial in the very firstmonths. At the beginning of the study, 63% of the patients received naltrexone at SERT, while37% were treated at home with the support of their families. Later during treatment, themajority of patients were treated at home. Families showed a high degree of participation andcooperation in the rehabilitation of patients (75%). These data suggest that the support offamilies was especially important for motivation of retention treatment and integration withpsychosocial programmes. Naltrexone treatment can be continued at home after a shortperiod of treatment from the public service if families intensively participate in the therapeuticprogramme.