Sequential combined treatment of heroin addicted patients in portugal with naltrexone and family therapy

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Abstract

Estimates point to the existence of 60,000 heroin-addicted patients in Portugal. In this paper we present a study using a methodology, called sequential combined treatment, based on the following steps: (a) detoxification; (b) family assessment; (c) naltrexone, always administered to the patient by his parents; (d) family intervention and restructuring. Evaluation procedure included sociodemographic data, patient functioning, psychopathological aspects, depression, HIV check and urine sample analysis. Sixty-three heroin-abusing patients consecutively entering the program were studied. 70% of the patients adhered to the method and achieved 35.5 weeks of abstinence. After 1 year of treatment, 40% were still abstinent. Patient functioning and psychopathology also showed considerable improvement. Despite these encouraging results, further studies are necessary to evaluate this method within different groups of heroin addicts.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)138-145
Number of pages8
JournalEuropean Addiction Research
Volume3
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jan 1997

Keywords

  • Family therapy
  • Heroin addiction
  • Naltrexone

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