ProjectSMART

What is naltrexone?
Are there side effects of Naltrexone?
How long will I be taking naltrexone?
Will naltrexone interfere with any medication I am already taking?
What does the research study involve?
Do I have to quit drinking to participate in the program?
Do I have to talk in front of a group?
Do I have to go to AA?
Is it confidential?
Will I be paid?
How long does the study last?
Where is the study located?
How do I qualify for the study?
What do I need to do to participate?

Q: What is naltrexone?
A: Naltrexone is a medication approved by the FDA for reducing alcohol consumption. Naltrexone can help people reduce their drinking by helping them manage their cravings for alcohol. It is safe and side effects are generally mild. Serious side effects are rare. You will receive routine monitoring by medical staff to ensure you are not having problems with the medication. Naltrexone will not make you feel sick is you drink alcohol while taking it.

Q: Are there side effects of Naltrexone?
A: The side effects of naltrexone are generally very mild, with the most common side effects occurring in about 10% of people. Typically, the side effects wear off after the first few days.

Q: How long will I be taking naltrexone?
A: The treatment phase of the study lasts for 12 weeks.

Q: Will naltrexone interfere with any medication I am already taking? A: Naltrexone does not interfere with most medications, including HIV medication. Our doctors will conduct a thorough evaluation of your current medical conditions and medications before prescribing naltrexone to you. If you have HIV, our doctors will confer with your HIV doctor while you are involved in the study.

Q: What does the research study involve?
A: The study involves several steps. First, you will come in for an assessment to see if you are eligible for the study. This will involve your completing a number of interviews and questionnaires, as well as a physical exam to make sure you are medically healthy.

If you are eligible and decide to participate in this study, you will receive one of several different combinations of treatments for drinking for a period of 3 months (12 weeks). Treatment will involve taking a pill every day, and will also include some counseling. The exact type of treatment you receive will be determined randomly (like the flip of a coin). You will be provided more detailed information about the various types of treatment in the study before you have to decide whether or not you want to enroll.

While you are involved in treatment, You will be asked to call in every day during treatment to a computer to provide additional information about how things are going for you.

After completing treatment, you will be asked to come in for 3 follow-up assessments to see how you did in the program. The assessments will involve questionnaires and research interviews with our staff, as well as some lab tests. The assessments will take place about once every three months. Overall, you will be involved in the study for a total of 9 months.

Q: Do I have to quit drinking to participate in the program?
A: You do not have to quit drinking. Your counselor will assist you in setting moderate drinking goals that are right for you. You may choose to quit drinking altogether, but this is not a necessary requirement for this study.

Q: Do I have to talk in front of a group?
A: No. All sessions and evaluations will be one-on-one.

Q: Do I have to go to AA?
A: No. Alcoholics Anonymous is in no way affiliated to this research study. If you decide you want to attend AA or another self-help group, however, you can still participate in our study.

Q: Is it confidential?
A: Yes. This study is entirely confidential and no judgments will be made.

Q: Will I be paid?
A: You will be reimbursed for your time each time you complete a research assessment, however you will not be paid to come in for treatment, or for taking the medication. If you complete all of the research assessments, you can earn up to $320 for participating in the study.

Q: How long does the study last?
A: The treatment phase of the study lasts for 12 weeks. You will be asked to come back for follow up visits at the end of treatment, and again 3 and 6 months after you complete treatment.

Q: Where is the study located?
A: The study offices are located at the Columbia Addiction Services and Psychotherapy Interventions Research (CASPIR), which is conveniently located near Columbus Circle and the Time Warner Center.

Q: How do I qualify for the study?
A: The most important qualification for the study is that you want to cut down on your drinking, or that you think you might need to cut down. There are other, more specific requirements for participation that our research staff will determine when you come in for your initial assessment.

Q: What do I need to do to participate?
A: Simply call us at 212-974-0597 or email us at info@projectsmartNYC.org to schedule an initial phone screening.