Predictors of retention in naltrexone maintenance for opioid dependence: Analysis of a Stage I trial

Behavioral naltrexone therapy (BNT) was developed to address the shortcomings of naltrexone maintenance for opiate dependence and improve compliance by integrating several empirically validated methods, including the use of a significant other to monitor compliance, voucher incentives, and motivational techniques. An uncontrolled Stage I pilot trial (N = 47) of BNT was conducted. Baseline demographic and clinical variables were evaluated as predictors of retention with univariate tests. Significant predictors were entered together into a multiple regression model. Poorer (shorter) retention in treatment was associated with methadone use and higher average bags per day of heroin. Other variables that became non-significant in multiple regression analysis included older age and depressive symptoms. Individuals with greater physiologic dependence and/or dependence on longer-acting opiates are at higher risk to drop out from naltrexone maintenance and may require a more gradual detoxification and more intensive behavioral therapy aimed at enhancing initial compliance.