What is the number needed to treat (NNT) for oral naltrexone to prevent heavy drinking?

The number needed to treat (NNT) refers to the number of patients that need to be treated with a specific therapy in order to prevent one additional negative outcome, such as heavy drinking in this case. Research indicates that oral naltrexone, an opioid antagonist used in treating alcohol dependence, has an NNT of approximately 12 when it comes to reducing heavy drinking episodes.

This means that treating 12 patients with oral naltrexone will typically result in one person experiencing a decrease in heavy drinking compared to a control group. This figure takes into account the effectiveness of naltrexone in promoting abstinence and reducing drinking frequency. The NNT of 12 indicates a moderate level of effectiveness, suggesting that while naltrexone can be beneficial, it is not universally effective for all patients.

Understanding the concept of NNT helps clinicians evaluate the impact of treatment options on patient outcomes and informs decision-making regarding alcohol use disorder therapy.