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Abstract
This study compared treatment persistence, health care utilization, and costs among Aetna beneficiaries receiving extended‑release naltrexone (XR‑NTX) for alcohol use disorders (AUDs) with those receiving disulfiram, oral naltrexone, acamprosate, or psychosocial therapy only. Claims data from 2007–2008 included 211 XR‑NTX users and over 11,000 comparison patients. Survival analysis showed greater treatment persistence with XR‑NTX than with oral NTX, acamprosate, or disulfiram. Across groups, outpatient behavioral health visits increased during treatment. However, XR‑NTX patients demonstrated larger reductions in non‑pharmacy health care costs and inpatient and emergency service use, particularly among those with physical or mental health comorbidities. Findings suggest XR‑NTX improves treatment continuity and reduces overall health care utilization relative to alternative therapies.