Methadone Induced Memory Retrieval-extinction Procedure in Heroin Addicts

Heroin Dependence Clinical Trial

Official title: A Novel Methadone-induced Memory Retrieval-extinction Procedure to Prevent Heroin Craving and Relapse

Status Completed

Clinical Trial Summary

The study assessed the efficacy of a methadone-induced memory retrieval-extinction procedure on heroin craving and relapse. Male participants aged 18-55 years old and prescribed MMT to treat heroin dependence were included in the present study, and randomly assigned to receive methadone, or receive methadone plus 10 minutes plus extinction, or receive methadone plus 6 hours plus extinction. The intervention persisted 3 times per week for 4 weeks. Then the subjects were followed up once a month for cue induced heroin craving and relapse.

Clinical Trial Description

In the present study, we explored the effect retrieval-extinction procedure on heroin craving and relapse in heroin addicts using the methadone (a commonly used µ-opioid receptor agonist) instead of heroin as the trigger to reactivate drug memories. The subjects were randomly divided into 3 groups, in which they received methadone alone or extinction sessions 10 min or 6 hours after methadone administration. The extinction sessions were given 3 times per week for 4 weeks, each lasted for 30 min. During the extinction procedure, the subjects were exposed to images, heroin paraphernalia and mimic heroin. Subjective craving, morphine urine test and physiological responses were recorded monthly for 4 months. ;

Related Conditions & MeSH terms

• Heroin Dependence

• NCT number: NCT04133974
• Study type: Interventional
• Source: National Institute on Drug Dependence, China
• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Start date: November 20, 2015
• Completion date: April 20, 2019