Abstract
This study assessed whether naloxone-precipitated withdrawal occasioned opiate craving in methadone-maintained volunteers and whether craving would be greater when an opiate could be taken during withdrawal. Volunteers were injected intramuscularly with saline during 2 sessions and 0.2 mg naloxone during 2 sessions. During 2 sessions (1 naloxone, 1 saline), volunteers were told that if withdrawal distress was intense, they could choose to receive methadone 30 min after the test injection. This choice, however, would result in the loss of $10. Naloxone precipitated withdrawal on observer-rated, physiological, and subjective measures. Opiate craving significantly increased during withdrawal when measured by a multi-item scale but not when measured by a standard single-item question. Withdrawal, mood, and craving measures were not significantly influenced by opiate availability. The concept and measurement of craving and conditions that modulate it are discussed.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 424-431 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Experimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology |
Volume | 3 |
Issue number | 4 |
State | Published - Nov 1995 |
Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Pharmacology
- Psychiatry and Mental health
- Pharmacology (medical)
- Experimental and Cognitive Psychology