A randomized clinical trial compared the effectiveness of daily oral dose and monthly injection forms of naltrexone in reducing heavy drinking among hospitalized patients with alcohol use disorder. Both forms showed similar reductions in heavy drinking, with no statistically significant difference in outcomes. Injectable naltrexone demonstrated better medication adherence but had substantially higher costs. The study highlighted the opportunity to initiate pharmacologic treatment for alcohol use disorder during hospitalization, with treatment choice possibly guided by patient preference, cost, and adherence.

Source: JAMA Internal Medicine