Targeted naltrexone treatment of early problem drinkers

The feasibility of using naltrexone to treat early alcohol dependence is examined. Several respondents received four sessions of brief counselling to reduce drinking during a six-week study period. Results show significant reduction drinking from pretreatment levels. The large reduction in heavy drinking is consistent with the results of controlled trials of naltrexone in alcoholics. A placebo-controlled study on the targeted naltrexone is needed to determine the optimal treatment strategy for early problem drinkers.