Final answer:
Patients in the XR-NTX group experience decreased cravings for opioids, as XR-NTX acts as a long-acting narcotic antagonist that prevents the euphoric effects of opioids and aids in maintaining abstinence post-detoxification.
Step-by-step explanation:
Patients assigned to XR-NTX group experience decreased cravings for opioids. XR-NTX, or extended-release naltrexone, is a medication that is used in the treatment of opioid dependence. It acts as a narcotic antagonist, blocking the effects of opioids and, as a result, reducing the urge to use these substances. When individuals on naltrexone attempt to use opioids, they find little or no effect from the drug, which helps to prevent relapse. Unlike daily opioid agonist therapies such as methadone, XR-NTX is administered less frequently due to its long-acting properties, which allows for periodic rather than daily treatment.
Given that XR-NTX is a narcotic antagonist, it does not facilitate rapid opioid detoxification nor does it follow a placebo-controlled regimen. Instead, its primary function is to aid in maintaining abstinence by decreasing opioid cravings post-detoxification. This medication is also relevant to preventing relapse in individuals who have more to gain by remaining drug-free, particularly in the context of opioid addiction treatment programs.