The Effect of Melatonin Upon Post-Acute Withdrawal Among Males in a Residential Treatment Program

Individuals recovering from drug and/or alcohol addiction initially experience the symptoms of acute withdrawal before experiencing the symptoms of post-acute withdrawal (PAWS). PAWS include a wide array of emotional and psychological symptoms such as anxiety, sleep disturbances, depression, and stress. Previous studies have shown that melatonin therapy was beneficial to alleviate anxiety, depressive symptoms, and sleep disturbances. However, no randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trials have been conducted in males who are experiencing PAWS. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of 5 mg melatonin given nightly for four weeks on weekly assessed, self-reported anxiety, depressive symptoms, insomnia, and stress in males with PAWS who reside in a residential treatment center.