Gaulen Z, Benth JS, Fadnes LT, et al. - Relative to the general population, opioid-dependent individuals exhibit lower life satisfaction (LS). Researchers examined how short- and long-term treatment with extended-release naltrexone (XR-NTX) affects the LS.

• A total of 159 participants were randomized in this open-label 12-week clinical trial, to receive either monthly XR-NTX or daily buprenorphine-naloxone (BP-NLX).

• Participants either continued or switched to XR-NTX in a subsequent 36-week follow-up study on XR-NTX.

• Data on the Temporary Satisfaction with Life (TSWL) and illicit opioid use were obtained every fourth week.

• The XR-NTX group showed a significant increase in LS.

• More use of illicit opioids was linked with a decline in LS.

• A rather low TSWL was recorded in most of the participants.

• Increase in the TSWL scores occurred from baseline to week 12 in the low and high LS groups.

• In the low LS group, no change in the TSWL scores occurred during follow-up treatment.