Background
The purpose of this study was to examine the interactive effects of family history
of alcoholism (FH+, FH−) and naltrexone dose (0, 50, 100 mg/day) on alcohol drinking.
Methods
Ninety-two, non–treatment-seeking alcohol-dependent participants received naltrexone
daily for 6 days. On the 6th day, they participated in a laboratory paradigm involving
exposure to a priming dose of alcohol followed by a 2-hour drinking period in which
they made choices between consuming alcoholic drinks and receiving money.
Results
Total number of drinks consumed during the drinking period was significantly decreased
by the 100-mg dose of naltrexone in FH+ drinkers. Secondary analyses in male drinkers
(n = 70) indicated that 100 mg of naltrexone significantly decreased drinking in FH+
participants and increased drinking in FH− drinkers.
Conclusions
These results suggest that family history of alcoholism might be a significant clinical
predictor of response to naltrexone and that FH+ men are more likely to benefit from
naltrexone therapy for alcohol drinking.
Key Words
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: March 09, 2007
Accepted:
November 15,
2006
Received in revised form:
November 10,
2006
Received:
September 19,
2006
Identification
Copyright
© 2007 Society of Biological Psychiatry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
