Naltrexone for the treatment of comorbid tobacco and pornography addiction

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Co-occurring addictive disorders are common, however treatment strategies for this population have not been extensively studied. This is especially the case for behavioral addictions. METHODS: We present a patient (N = 1) with tobacco use disorder and problematic pornography use treated with naltrexone. RESULTS: Naltrexone treatment resulted in a decrease in pornography viewing and cigarette smoking, however had the adverse effect of anhedonia. A lower dose modestly impacted pornography viewing but not smoking. DISCUSSIONS AND CONCLUSIONS: Relevant literature regarding co-occurring addictions as well as use of naltrexone is reviewed. SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE: This report represents the first case of tobacco and pornography co-addiction in the literature and supports the assertion that treatment of one addictive disorder can benefit another in the dually addicted patient. The efficacy of naltrexone for smoking is notable as previous studies of naltrexone in smoking have been disappointing. This case suggests future treatment strategies for comorbid addictions. (Am J Addict 2017;26:115-117).