Almost 200,000 veterans are homeless each night, about one-quarter to one-third of homeless
adults in the U.S. Half need treatment for a substance use disorder, usually alcohol
dependence, but sobriety is often required to access alcohol treatment and housing services.
A monthly injection of depot naltrexone is efficacious in reducing alcohol use, but it is
expensive and restricted in many VA Medical Centers. Oral naltrexone is more available but
seldom used because of adherence problems that limit effectiveness. This open-label pilot
study would compare the effect of depot versus oral naltrexone to help twenty homeless,
alcohol-dependent veterans decrease their drinking, achieve sobriety and qualify for housing
services. This study's findings could expand access to effective medication-assisted alcohol
treatment in the VA, and thus help homeless veterans with alcohol problems improve their
drinking, housing status, and appropriate use of health services.
Phase:
Phase 4
Details
Lead Sponsor:
US Department of Veterans Affairs VA Office of Research and Development