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Use of the NMDA-Receptor Blocker Dextromethorphan and <br /> Nutritional Support to Reduce Cravings and Increase Success in <br /> Acute and Post-acute Amphetamine Withdrawal <br /> *Laura Moire, M.D. & **Michael T. Hyson, Ph.D. <br /> *PresidenL Volcano Healing An Centre Post Office Bos 1077, Mountain View. Hanoi' i 96771 <br /> <br /> Phone: 808A87-765 Fas: 808-968-8937 Enuvl: healing_music6hotnli~il.com <br /> **Research Director. Sirius Institute, P.O. Bos 1979, Pahoa. Hawaii 96778 <br /> <br /> Phone: 808-965-1607 or 808-96.5-9667 Email: michaellwson6vahoo.com <br /> <br /> Summary <br /> <br /> The use of NMDA antagonists with nutritional support promises to increase success in the treaunent <br /> <br /> of amphetamine dependence. <br /> <br /> We propose an alternate treatment for acute and post-acute atphetamine withdrawal utilizing <br /> <br /> destromethorphan and nutritional support. Use of antagonists of the N-meths 1-D-aspartate (NMDA) <br /> receptor reduces cravings for a varieh of drugs. One Basil} available NMDA antagonist is <br /> destromethorphan (DM). found in cough scraps. Administration of destromethorphan should ease <br /> acute and post-acute amphetamine withdrawal and lead to higher rates of success in dnig treatment. <br /> Drug use o8en depletes stores of nutrients adding to the problems of withdrawal and recovery. <br /> Nutrients will be used to support and restore normal nutrient levels during acute and post-acute <br /> withdrawal. For example. the nerve transmitter serotonin is often depleted with chronic drug use. <br /> The Levels of serotonin can be restored through the supplementation w ith precursor molecules like 5- <br /> hydros~tr<ptophan. This and similar nutritional support aids recoveq, eases ~cithdrawal and further <br /> reduces cravings. <br /> B}-using these safe_ over-the-counter, low cost agents, we can effectively treat the large number of <br /> people now adversely affected b~~ amphetamines. This protocol, once established, can be included in <br /> many existing programs and add value to them be improving their success. Based on large European <br /> studies that utilized interventions to reduce cravings in alcohol addiction, eye theorize that the current <br /> relapse rate (85-90"/0) can be improved and look to achieve a ~0% or more sustained sobriet} b}-the <br /> addition of these interventions to curreut programs. <br /> Background <br /> Amphetamine addiction is a major problem throughout the nation and especialtc in Hawai i. <br /> Amphetamine use is linked to violent crime. T7tis is a crisis of such epic proportions that it is <br /> overcrowding the jails and the public has expressed a resounding en~ for assistance. Hawai' i <br /> Governor Lingle and Lt. Governor Aiona have expressed support to implement this specific project. <br /> In addition_ Amoore Health Group ~~hich is involved in the development and implementation of <br /> eomprehensi~ ~ behavioral health treatment programs across the count} has offered financial and <br /> grant development assistance. The addition of the sU•ateg} of our grant proposal -utilizing <br /> medications and nutritional support -promises to groath improve treatment success. <br /> Long-term users of amphetamines develop classical habituation and addiction. When the drug is <br /> withdrawn_ sG'ong cravings remain. Cravings originate, in part. with [he operant conditioning of <br /> 1 <br /> <br />