An Investigation of the Effects of Opioid Receptor Blockade on Changes in Self-esteem and Social Attention

An Investigation of the Effects of Opioid Receptor Blockade on Changes in Self-esteem and Attentional Bias Toward Social Cues

The purpose of this study is to explore the effects of endogenous opioids on self-esteem and attentional bias toward social cues. This is achieved by administering the drug naltrexone, which temporarily decreases endogenous opioid activity.

Inclusion Criteria:

• good physical health,
• normal kidney and liver function results from within previous year

Exclusion Criteria:

• allergy to naltrexone
• kidney or liver injury or disorder
• bipolar, panic, or psychotic disorders
• epilepsy
• smoking more than 15 cigarettes per day
• pregnancy
• substance abuse
• use of opioid analgesics, cocaine, recreational drugs (e.g., marijuana, LSD, ecstasy, etc.), or prescription medication (except oral contraceptives) within the past 10 days
• use of over-the-counter drugs (e.g., analgesics, anti-inflammatories, sleeping aids, etc.) or alcohol within the past 24 hours
• current experience of pain (e.g., headache)
• use of anti-diarrheal medications in the 7 days prior to the study.