Clinical Research Study on Naltrexone for Alcohol Dependence - Should You Participate?

The Addiction Treatment and Medication Development Division of University of Pennsylvania is currently conducting a clinical trial on the Pharmacogenetic Response to Naltrexone for Alcohol Dependence.

Naltrexone is approved by the FDA to treat alcohol dependence in an outpatient setting. Patients must refrain from alcohol before beginning treatment. This drug blocks the effects of drugs known as opioids, or narcotics (aka: morphine, heroin, or codeine).

Qualifying for the naltrexone genetic alcohol research study:

Patient must be 18 or older and have a problem with alcohol dependence. This is a double-blind study, meaning the subject and investigator will not know if the placebo or drug, naltrexone, has been given. Medical management via outpatient sessions for 12 weeks is required. The study involves genetic research, so DNA will be analyzed to determine if there is a predisposition of alcohol dependence inherited from subject's parent(s).

Positives to enrolling in the alcohol dependence heredity drug study:

It would be a good study to participate in if you are have been diagnosed with alcohol dependence, have a family history of alcohol abuse, don't mind needles or shots and are pro-pharmaceuticals. You should do your own research before jumping into any research or even treatments recommended by your doctor. Weigh the pros and cons. Discover natural alternatives.

Negatives and my opinion of prescription drugs and participating in clinical trials:

I could take part in this clinical research study and I am sure I carry the gene. While I haven't been diagnosed with alcohol dependency, it would be a matter of telling the doctor I drink more than the recommended amount per week to inherit this diagnosis. The classification of alcohol abuse is very broad.

I am anti-pharmaceuticals and prefer to do things the natural way if plausible. If you are mild to moderately dependent on alcohol, I suggest trying other methods to quit drinking before taking drugs that have known side effects and unknown long-term effects.

There are often monetary benefits to taking part in clinical trials as well as helping others by contributing to medical research. A good FAQ to understand clinical trials is provided by clinicaltrials.gov

Alternatives to medication for treating alcohol abuse:

Alcoholism is a very difficult disease to cure, especially when you inherit the gene predisposing you to the illness. Medical management is often necessary and usually needs to be repeated due to relapses. There is nothing wrong with seeking help. Sometimes being able to talk to a psychiatrist about underlying issues is the best cure for treating the true problem.

Fighting any addiction requires serious behavior modification, which is difficult to implement and even harder to maintain. Our minds are such powerful weapons that can help or destroy us.

Ask yourself why you drink and what you could do to achieve that feeling instead of reaching for the bottle. You will need to determine how to unearth your willpower to quit drinking and remain abstinent.

Talk to loved ones and ask for their support while you make this big change to abstain from alcohol.

My mom has always been a fan of journals. Keeping one is a great idea. Write down your reasons for wanting to quit and how you will fight urges and/or stressors. When you are having a rough time, write down how you feel and how you react. It can be a great release and you can revisit your entry later. Think of ways you could improve on your reaction in the future and write them down.

Disclaimer: My advice is not meant for those that require in-patient treatment. If you suffer alcohol withdrawal or DT's, please seek help immediately. You will most likely need pharmacological help to treat your illness.