The sequential use of clonidine and naltrexone in the treatment of opiate addicts.

The efficacy of clonidine in the management of opiate withdrawal states has improved and refined the medical approach to this condition. In addition, the use of clonidine for opiate detoxification paves the way for naltrexone maintenance. Naltrexone, by providing chronic opiate receptor blockade, prevents opiate intoxication and subsequent readdiction in recovered addicts. The sequential use of clonidine and naltrexone, in conjunction with drug rehabilitation, appears to represent a viable and effective treatment for opiate addiction in motivated patients. The development of clonidine and naltrexone as treatment agents for opiate addiction also demonstrates that neurobiological advances can be translated into new and effective clinical approaches. This paper summarizes some of our experiences with the clonidine/naltrexone approach in motivated opiate addicts.