The opiat antagonist Naltrexone is usually a treatment for opiate-intoxication. Some studies showed additional use for other types of drug addiction recovery including alcoholism and cocaine. Buprenorphine may however be more effective against cocaine addiction.
But recent research showed some promissing effects for patients with self-injurious behavior (SIB) and dissociative symptoms of trauma (PTSD) or borderline personality disorder (BPD). This might be a medical option for patients with different kinds of self-harm behavior (including cutting, self-biting or self-hitting/slapping) and could also be a possible treatment approach for mentally retarded young patients with SIB.
Researchers in Germany made a study of female patients with Borderline personality disorder with dissociative symptoms. The patients received 25 to 100 mg naltrexone four times a day for at least 2 weeks. Results of self-rated questionaire for dissociation (DAISS) showed a significant reduction of the symptoms, indluding flashbacks and self-harm. The authors presented the hypothesis that an increased activity of the opioid system contributes to dissociative symptoms of these patients.
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