Study of the curative effect on heroin craving among heroin dependence treated with long-term sustained release naltrexone(LSRNTX)implants

Objective To investigate heroin craving changes among heroin dependence treated with longterm sustained release naltrexone(LSRNTX)implants.Methods Before and after the treatment of LSRNTX implants,the levels of heroin craving were evaluated with Rating Scale for Heroin Craving among 108 heroin addicts,and urine analysis for morphine,methadone,and buprenorphine were performed among them without prior notification.Results(1)After the treatment of LSRNTX implants,the total scores of Rating Scale for Heroin Craving and the scores of the four factors of abusing intent,abusing spiration,expect effect,and self-control among the 108 heroin addicts were much less lower than those before the treatment,and the differences are statistically significant.(2)After the treatment,the outcomes of urine analysis for morphine,methadone,and buprenorphine were completely negative among 95 subjects(87.96%),the positive outcomes were found in 13(12.04%)subjects.(3)After the treatment,the scores of Rating Scale for Heroin Craving among the subjects with negative outcome of urine analysis decreased much more significantly than those of the subjects with positive outcome.Conclusion The LSRNTX implants are effective on palliating or eliminating heroin craving,and help to prevent the heroin addicts from relapsing. Key words: Implant; Long-term sustained release naltrexone; Heroin dependence; Craving