Krupitsky E, et al. - Via performing a 48-week double-blind, double-dummy, placebo-controlled, phase 3, randomized trial that included men and women addicted to opioids who were starting antiretroviral therapy (ART) for HIV and whose viral loads were higher than 1,000 copies/mL, researchers examined the impact of slow-release, long-acting, implantable naltrexone on poor HIV treatment outcomes observed in correlation with untreated opioid addiction in people with HIV. A total of 200 participants were randomized (1:1) to addiction treatment with a naltrexone implant and oral naltrexone placebo (implant group) or oral naltrexone and placebo implant (oral group). According to findings, the longer the blockade of opioid effects, the more protective benefits an individual gains from missed ART doses and impulsive behaviors that lead to relapse and unfavorable outcomes.