@article {Petrakis:1 February 2000:0965-2140:219,
	author = "Petrakis I. L.",
	author = "Carroll K. M.",
	author = "Nich C.",
	author = "Gordon L. T.",
	author = "McCance-Katz E. F.",
	author = "Frankforter T.",
	author = "Rounsaville B. J.",
	title = "Disulfiram treatment for cocaine dependence in methadone-maintained opioid addicts",
	journal = "Addiction",
	volume = "95",
	year = "1 February 2000",
	abstract = "Aims: Cocaine use by patients on methadone maintenance treatment is a widespread problem and is associated with a poorer prognosis. Recent studies have evaluated disulfiram as a treatment for individuals with comorbid alcohol and cocaine abuse. We evaluated the efficacy of disulfiram for cocaine dependence, both with and without co-morbid alcohol abuse, in a group of methadone-maintained opioid addicts. Design: Randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Setting: Urban methadone maintenance clinic. Participants: Sixty-seven cocaine-dependent, methadone-maintained, opioid-dependent subjects (52% female; 51% Caucasian). Intervention: Study medication, either disulfiram or placebo, was placed directly in the methadone to ensure compliance for 12 weeks. Measurements: Primary outcome measures included weekly assessments of the frequency and quantity of drug and alcohol use, weekly urine toxicology screens and breathalyzer readings. Findings: Disulfiram treated subjects decreased the quantity and frequency of cocaine use significantly more than those treated with placebo. Alcohol use was minimal for all subjects regardless of the medication. Conclusions: Disulfiram may be an effective pharmacotherapy for cocaine abuse among methadone-maintained opioid addicts, even in those individuals without co-morbid alcohol abuse. Disulfiram inhibits dopamine beta-hydroxylase resulting in an excess of dopamine and decreased synthesis of norepinephrine. Since cocaine is a potent catecholamine re-uptake inhibitor, disulfiram may blunt cocaine craving or alter the "high", resulting in a decreased desire to use cocaine.",
	pages = "219-228(10)",
	url = "http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/carfax/cadd/2000/00000095/00000002/art00008"
}