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 to opiate-dependent patients sent for treatment via special treatment facilities, the Public Services for Treatment of Drug Addition (SERT). In the region Campania, prescription data showed that the use of naltrexone outside SERT is higher compared to the other regions of Italy. This study was carried out in order to identify factors that influence the higher utilization of naltrexone outside SERT in Campania. Three-hundred and fifty patients followed by 13 SERTs have been evaluated. Twenty per cent of patients withdrew from the trial in the very first months. At the beginning of the study, 63% of the patients received naltrexone at SERT, while 37% were treated at home with the support of their families. Later during treatment, the majority of patients were treated at home. Families showed a high degree of participation and cooperation in the rehabilitation of patients (75%). These data suggest that the support of families was especially important for motivation of retention treatment and integration with psychosocial programmes. Naltrexone treatment can be continued at home after a short period of treatment from the public service if families intensively participate in the therapeutic programme.