The goal of this two-year study is to test the efficacy of dronabinol as an adjunct to maintenance treatment with naltrexone in opioid-dependent individuals. We are proposing a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled, parallel-groups, 8 week study of relapse prevention in opioid-dependent individuals. Participants will be randomized into one of two conditions (1) Naltrexone and Placebo (N=20) and (2) Naltrexone and dronabinol 15 mg bid (N=40). Treatment will be delivered in an outpatient setting except for the initial phase of inpatient detoxification, lasting 8 days. A long-acting, injectable form of naltrexone 380 mg (Vivitrol) will be administered once per month (the total of two injections), while dronabinol or placebo will be taken daily. In addition, patients will receive a psychosocial intervention that will include elements of motivational interviewing and cognitive-behavioral relapse prevention therapy. The primary aim is to test the efficacy of dronabinol in improving tolerability of naltrexone induction and reducing attrition during detoxification and the first two months of naltrexone treatment. The primary outcome will be the severity of opiate withdrawal and craving. The secondary outcome will be will be retention in treatment at study's end.
The goal of this two-year study is to test the efficacy of dronabinol as an adjunct to maintenance treatment with naltrexone in opioid-dependent individuals. We hypothesize that administering dronabinol during detoxification and during the first few weeks of naltrexone treatment will lead to improved naltrexone tolerability, resulting in better naltrexone compliance and treatment retention, and ultimately a reduction in opioid use and relapse rates.