Naltrindole, a selective delta-opioid receptor antagonist, was evaluated for its potential to block the reinforcing properties of cocaine using a conditioned place pairing paradigm in Lewis rats. Cocaine HCl (15 mg/kg s.c.) produced a strong place preference which was significantly blocked in animals pretreated with naltrindole (3 mg/kg i.p.); naltrindole alone showed no reinforcing or aversive effects. The results suggest a novel approach for the treatment of cocaine abuse in man.