Alternative Drug Addiction Therapies - Narconon

There are almost as many treatments for drug addiction as causes for it. One of the so called "alternative therapies" is Narconon.

This treatment looks at handling the causes of the addiction, as well as the addicition itself. It is controversial inasmuch as it is based upon the writings and beliefs of Ron L. Hubbard. One time science fiction author and founder of the "religion" of scientology.

The basic premise is to try and look at an individual's own position as a start to treating the actual addicition. This program does not make use of any drugs to combat withdrawal symptoms. Rather using education and rehabilitation. The program is widely used in schools as preventative education, along with the schools own program, if they have one.

Advocates of the program commonly claim a 70% success rate with it in combatting drug abuse. As opposed to the more usual figure of around 30% for most other treatments. Narconon claims that addicts can resume normal life as a healthy, productive member of society, when they work with the program and stick with it.

Narconon have their own facilities, where drug addicts can be treated "in-house", or they can be treated as an out patient. Depending upon their level of drug abuse, and of course the wishes of the patient themselves, or more usually their partners/relatives.

The usual amount of time taken for the Narconon program to work effectively is between four to six months. During which time addicts are said to be "going back to school" to be re-educated on drugs, their use and abuse, the dangers of drugs and drug addiction, and of course eventual recovery. All done without the use of other pharmaceuticals to dull the pain of withdrawal.

Narconon has it's adversaries, just as Scientology itself. These opponents say the information used is not scientifically sound, and results are manipulated to show the program in a good light. They also say that the program is in effect brainwashing. Which of course it is, as are most programs designed to wean the brain off the effects of various substances.

Another point brought up is that the educational materials used in the Narconon program are not geared to the capabilities of the students involved. That the same materials are used for elementary level to high school level, and use many scientific terms without sufficient, or even any, explanation. This can make understanding quite hard for the younger students.

This being the case, it is still a fact that drug abuse is a massive problem worldwide, and it's causes and treatments are many. Narconon probably does have it's place in the scheme of things, and there is no doubt that many addicts have benefited from the program. Whether those people would have benefited equally from any other program is of course a matter for conjecture.

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Drug Addiction and Drug Abuse: Starting to Get Help

Addiction to Oxycontin: Where to Begin Getting Help

There is assistance if you or your loved one has an addiction to Oxycontin, addiction to Vicodin, addiction to codeine, or other narcotics. All hope is not lost. There are millions of others around you that have been able to recover and lead happy lives. If there is one thing in common with those who recover, it is that they keep going. It may take five or more treatment attempts for some, but one can definitely stop drug use.

The first place to start is by allowing the idea you might have substance abuse problem. Many individuals never get to this point. They may say they get high because of their pain,companion, or setting, but doing this does not help their situation. You have the best control over yourself and this is the place to start. Others may have a negative influence on you life and be unhelpful with you getting abstinent. You are going to need to change yourself and find the helpful individuals who can support you in doing this.

Admitting drug use in your life causes problems does not mean you are a bad person. It also doesn't mean drugs caused all the trouble in you life. It is just means you are willing to have an open mind of how drug use may be affecting you.

It is helpful to find someone who is in recovery. This could be through a 12 step program, a church, or just a friend who had been a user and quit. Find a person in recovery who is not going to preach to you or confront you; find someone just to talk. Recovery involves looking at the damage in you life that drug use has caused. It also involves seeing to good things that have come to others that have quit. Taking to others about the good things can be very helpful and motivating.

Make a list of the things you would like to see improved in your personal and social circumstances. Imagine you would like to see yourself making more money at your job; perhaps spending time with your family every weekend instead of seeking drugs. It could be not being worried you will be arrested. Maybe you want that new bike, motorcycle, or car. What about feeling good about not feeling like someone is going to find out you are using. Anything that you find motivating to quit is helpful.

Addiction to Oxycontin: Online Help

Here are places to get help for patients with a narcotic problem.

SAMHSA: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Association: This is a wonderful site that contains many topics for the public and professionals. The government brochures they provide cover all areas of substance abuse. Prevention, treatment, and relapse topics are found here. It is an invaluable resource for patients and professionals looking for training and help with substance dependence. It is also good for families and friends looking to find drug fact information. Their web site can be found at http://www.samhsa.gov/.

Al-Anon Family Groups: This organization says they provide "strength and hope for friends and families of problem drinkers." Many with narcotic problems also have drinking problems. Although this organization helps people enmeshed with problem drinkers, their support groups are so helpful, that they should be used by families of those who have dual addictions. If your loved one only has problems with pain pills, they can direct you to a good local support group. Their format is similar to 12 step programs where they sit in groups. Their official site can be found: http://www.al-anon.alateen.org/.

NIDA:National Institute on Drug Abuse covers all the "Science of Drug Abuse and Addiction." They are a complete source for drug and alcohol use information. Their agency contains scientific information on all drugs of abuse; and mass distribution pamphlets on numerous drugs of abuse; along with the latest research and meetings.

Your local mental health authority. Each community has their own programs for drug addiction. You can look in the Yellow Pages or online and do a search for you local by looking up "community mental health" and your city and state. These local organizations have their own programs for drug abuse treatment. In addition, they are familiar with the resources and health care professionals in the community that provide drug abuse treatment.

Summary: Addiction to Oxycontin: Begin Stopping the Addiction

• Make a decision to improve you life
• Talk to Someone Already In Recovery
• Find Federal/Local Help With Drug Information and Treatment
• Don't Give Up!

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Addiction Recovery Through Pain

Feelings of shame and guilt arise for most people when they first get sober. As the person begins to become clear minded again, they begin to realize the wreckage that they left behind them. Their new found sobriety leaves them with the clarity to recognize that relationships with loved ones were damaged or lost, careers destroyed, opportunities missed, academic failure, and the list could go on forever. These experiences if utilized correctly can fuel an individual's desire to find sobriety. It may also lead to a lot o shame and guilt over how we have conducted ourselves. It is very easy for addicts and alcoholics to fall into self-pity and feel hopeless about their situation. "Is it too late for me?" "Will I ever be able to get out of this hole?" "Will people ever forgive me?" "I have done so much harm to others; do I deserve to be sober?" The shame and guilt alcoholics and addicts experience may lead them to fall into this slippery thought process. These experience become part of the newly sober individuals "first step". The first step is the admission of a problem. In order of the person to remain sober, they first must believe that they have a problem with drugs and/or alcohol.

By identifying the unmanageability, that was direct by product of my addiction, the individual will begin to understand that recovery is the only plausible solution to restoring order in their life. The person will commence the remaining recovery process. The person will develop a relationship with a power greater than their self, take an inventory of their life and relationships, identify the flaws in their character, take responsibility for the wrongs we have done to others, and learn to help other people with their recovery.

The pain that is created in active addiction is often the fuel for our recovery. All though it is difficult to look at and walk through those feelings, those feelings remind young adult addicts why addiction is not a healthy option. It may seem like an overwhelming process for the newly sober alcoholic or addict. But it is important to know that they do not have to experience that process alone. Substance Abuse treatment can provide a safe and supportive environment for young adults to begin the recovery process. Having a safe place to get sober and people who understand recovery will make it easier to work through the initials challenges of getting sober.

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Stress and Drugs

When you get stressed out, what is one of the first things that you typically do? How do you deal with unexpected things that happen in your life such as loss of work, deaths in the family or fights with loved ones? For some people, the answer is temporarily found in drugs and/or alcohol. But is this always the right answer?

There are many who would speculate that drugs and alcohol is most often (if not always) the result of some sort of trauma or stress-related incident. The truth of the matter is that drugs and alcohol seldom solve anything. In fact, drug and alcohol abuse does more to break up families, and cause all sorts of problems on top of whatever stress you may be feeling. The next time you are feeling stressed out, try to get to the root of what is bothering you. Figure out possible solutions to your problem on your own. The same money that you would spend on alcohol or drugs, take it and use it towards seeing a psychologist or psychiatrist. These people are skilled in being able to help those who are struggling with internal issues. Additionally, it is important to remember not to isolate yourself. Do you have any friends that you can call on for help?

Often times, when we are struggling or stressed out- or if we have drug problems, it can often be difficult to reach out to others who are there to help us. Little do we know that there are plenty of people out there who care about us and want to see us do well. It takes a lot of courage and honesty to admit that you have a problem- especially when the admittance is to a close friend or a family member. We are often afraid that we will be judged or somehow rejected. Therefore, as a result, many people keep their problems to themselves. There are also those who struggle with denial. They don't want to (and haven't) admit to themselves that there is a serious problem going on. Therefore, why would they need the help if there's nothing wrong.

It is so incredibly important that we don't isolate ourselves from other people- especially those that we love. In a lot of cases, you need to stop and remind yourself that no matter how bad your situation is, there is ALWAYS someone out there who is worse off than you. This isn't meant to be a selfish thing, but rather, it is meant to teach you to appreciate all that you have and to always think of others. In fact, many therapists would suggest that those who are easily stressed get volunteer jobs because when you're volunteering to help someone else, you are too busy to worry about things. You will ultimately feel better about your overall situation if you can find other more creative ways to give back to others who are worse off than you. This isn't to say that your problems aren't important. You still need to deal with your problems without the use of drugs and alcohol. It's just that by helping others, you will help yourself.

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ADHD Treatment

ADHD treament can take on a range of types and methods. Sometimes, a patient can get by on just a few new breathing techniques or yoga practices. Other times, counseling or group therapy can do the trick. But sometimes, it because necessary for a person to revert to taking a prescription medication of some kind. The impairment associated with ADHD (attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder) warrants treatment. A clinical guideline clearly states that treatment should begin when a teacher, parent or patient at school detects impairment, work, while driving or during other activities.

Most of the treatments are the same in both children and adults. Two classes of drugs, stimulants and non-stimulants, are prescribed for treating ADHD. Stimulants are considered a first-line medication, which has a higher response rate. This is followed by second-line stimulants that have a lower response rate and lower effect size.

A number of scientific studies have demonstrated that the medications currently prescribed for ADHD work very well; however, on an experimental level, CBT or cognitive behavioral therapy is also being considered and will hopefully yield similar results. CBT is considered the therapy of choice for those ADHD patients who cannot tolerate chemical medications or other medications failed to produce results. However, since ADHD is considered a lifelong disorder, research hasn't yet reached a point where it can predict the necessary duration treatment needed to treat a patient.

Since treating an ADHD patient is always tricky for a clinician, the treatment is generally started after gaining a patient's confidence as to why treatment is necessary and what benefits will come from it.

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Tinnitus- Basic Treatment and Therapy

Tinnitus is a disorder that affects millions of individuals all around the world. Commonly people suffering from tinnitus, also known as ringing ears, find it hard to concentrate and lead a normal life. The reason for this is that in some cases the ringing of the ears is so loud that people suffering from tinnitus often develop some sort of sleeping disturbance, most commonly insomnia.

In some cases tinnitus can be cured naturally without the need of any specific treatment, but for others treatment is the only way of ever curing it. Nowadays there are many effective treatments available that are successful for certain cases, but may not work for others, it all depends on the nature of the tinnitus.

Shown below is a list of some of the more commonly used tinnitus treatments used.

Tinnitus retraining therapy

Tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT) is a treatment commonly known as, habituation therapy, whereby a patient uses a combination of tinnitus retraining and sound enrichment techniques to reduce the perception of the noises caused by the tinnitus. This method might take some time to master but because there is no official 100 percent effective way of treating tinnitus, many patients are whiling to give this method a try.

Cognitive Therapy

Cognitive therapy is different approach to tinnitus treatment. Basically what's pretended is a change in the way the patients reacts to the tinnitus rather than trying to cure it. The therapy requires that the patient together with the doctor identify the negative impact of tinnitus.

Masking

Masking is a method utilized not to cure tinnitus but rather control its effects. A devise commonly resembling a hearing aid, that is designed to produce low-level sound, is introduced into the ear to eliminate the perception of noise.

Hearing Aids

Some patients with severe tinnitus may in some cases benefit from the use of a hearing aid. By using such a device, the sounds of speech are brought above background tinnitus noise, making it easier for the person to hear other people. Hearing aids could also be used as a means of introducing white noise for blocking chronic tinnitus when sleeping.

Medicines and vitamins

There are some vitamins and a wide range of medicines that can help cure tinnitus. Some of Vitamins include Niacin, Lecithin, Zinc and Magnesium. Medicines that could prove effective include Anti-Depressants, Tranquilizers, and Muscle Relaxants, Alprazolam (Xanax), Klonopin, Anti-Convulsants, Intravenous Lidocaine and Anti-Histamine. Before starting a treatment using any sort of pharmaceutical drugs it is always imperative that a specialized doctor be consulted first.

Biofeedback

Biofeedback is a therapy utilized to teach patients how to relax their muscles and automatic body functions. The main idea is to help people manage stress, which can worsen tinnitus, by changing the way the body responds to it. People using this method have reported that this method if done correctly can drastically decrease tinnitus noise.

Many other forms of treatment are available but because tinnitus can radically vary from person to person only an otolaryngologists can help decide which solution is best suited for each case.

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Short-Term Application Of Intravenous Amino Acids For The Control Of Cravings And Withdrawal

Addiction and substance abuse is undermining the very moral fabric and future of America today. In 1995 it was estimated that the cost of alcohol and other drugs reached a staggering figure of 276 billion, not including the pain and suffering of loved ones and friends. Alcoholics have an estimated decrease in life expectancy of 10-15 years, with alcohol the most frequently used and abused intoxicant and involved in 40% of all fatal motor vehicle accidents (1 and 2).

Although not illegal, nicotine accounts for approximately 25 million people addicted and is the cause of 430,000 tobacco related deaths per year.

The most commonly abused opiates are, heroin and methadone. It has been estimated by the National Institute of Drug Abuse that approximately 2.5 million Americans have a history of heroin abuse (3).

Stimulants such as cocaine are widespread as well in America and it is estimated 72 million Americans have tried or are using or cocaine (3).

Methamphetamine is growing at an unstoppable rate due to the ease of making the drug, and is now competing with cocaine as a drug of choice.

Although there are numerous examples of addictive drugs in America they all show similar symptoms and qualities of craving and withdrawal conditions. The individuals at greatest risk are genetically predisposed through a neurochemical pathway that alters the minds perception of pleasure and reward. Kenneth Blum, coined the term, "Reward Deficiency Syndrome," to relate to the neurotransmitter deficit that occurs due to use of drugs and alcohol. Although the pathways may vary, depending on the abused substance, they all show a common final neurochemical pathway in their expression of euphoria when abundant, and craving when deficient.

The important Amino-peptide neurotransmitters to date are serotonin, dopamine, GABA and the enkephalins. Dopamine specifically is the neurotransmitter of pleasure. When dopamine is in abundance, it provides a state of well-being. Although this research will focus on alcohol, there are many other substances that can alter the increase in dopamine resulting in pleasure. Other altering scenarios can be glucose, impulsive/compulsive disorders, gambling and risk-taking activities, opiates, cocaine and cigarettes.

When the brain is supplied with a substance a momentary spike in neurotransmitter activity of dopamine occurs. The body then reacts to down regulate this excessive increase by down regulating the neurotransmitter sites of production or receptor sites, or by increasing the breakdown of neurotransmitters. Because of this, the brain develops tolerance and the need for more of the drug to prevent a state of withdrawal.

The point at which addiction can occur is variable and based on the individual's genes. Recently, the dopamine D2 receptor called the A1allele, has been known to be a greater prevalence for alcoholics, opiate or cocaine addicts.

This pleasure and reward system was discovered, by accident, in 1954 by James Otis. By mistake, Otis placed electrodes in the Para limbic system of rats. In doing so, Otis observed he could elicit a pleasure response. This response caused the rats to continuously press a lever, causing an electrical stimulation to this area even to the point of starvation. It was later noted that an increase in dopamine was being released in regions of the limbic system, specifically the nucleus accumbens and the hippocampus.

Recently, a pharmacological approach to alter these neurotransmitters and help people with reward deficiency syndrome has been found. Studies by Brown and Blum indicate that certain amino acid precursors can relieve cravings and reduce incidents of a relapse. Oral formulas have been formulated and produced with these amino acids, vitamins and minerals cofactors. Recently an intravenous pharmacological approach utilizing amino acid neurotransmitter precursors have shown to have an immediate and profound effect on craving reduction and withdrawals in 86% of the patients with no side effects noted by this researcher or by Excel treatment facility during the last two years. The intravenous amino acids, vitamins, and mineral therapy appears to augment the dopamine and serotonin levels while the body begins to return to better handling oral nutrients and neurotransmitter homeostasis.

This study has been implemented to determine the efficacy of intravenous amino acids to reduce withdrawal and craving from substance abuse.

Methodology

Nine subjects were picked from phone in volunteers from a local Denver newspaper add (Exhibit 1).

Inclusion into the study are individuals who are between the ages of 18 and 50 years old, in good health, not court ordered and who desire to stop their substance abuse, but to date, are unable to do so. Methadone or a history of psychiatric hospitalize subjects are excluded from this study. All subjects will undergo a history and physical exam and a doctor will be present at all times. Initials will be used for publishing purposes only and strict confidentiality will be observed of all subjects.

The treatment subjects will undergo 10 sessions (Monday through Friday) of a multi amino acid, vitamin and mineral solution in a 250cc ½ NS bag group or a placebo group of Vitamins (B2, B12 and Folate) in a 250cc ½ NS bag with matching color and volume. All subjects will undergo drug testing for their addiction including random breath and/or urine drug tests.

If you smoke, you will be asked to keep track of the number of cigarettes smoked daily.
To be entered into the research group each individual must meet the requirement of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders TR (DSM-IV TR) for an Axis-I drug dependence.

Axis-I 303.90 Alcohol Dependence

Axis-I 304.40 Amphetamine Dependence Including Methamphetamine

Axis-I 304.30 Cannabis Dependence

Axis-I 304.20 Cocaine Dependence

Axis-I 305.10 Nicotine Dependence

Axis-I 304.00 Opioid Dependence

Axis-I 304.90 Polysubstance-related Disorder

Other axis-I substance dependence disorders will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
The research subjects will be placed randomly into two equal groups A and B.

The control-or placebo-group will receive an intravenous solution of 250 cc of a ½ normal saline bag with B2, B12 and folate to give the distinctive color to the bags.

The experimental group will be given an intravenous solution consisting of a patented formula titled TGGRS Treatment (Third Generation Genetic Repair System). The Tigers Treatment consists of multi amino acids, vitamins and mineral solution drip over a 1 & 2-hour period for 10 sessions. All subjects will be randomly be monitored by blowing a B.A.C. or urine drug tests. A questionnaire will also be required to rate their craving and anxiety symptoms each session. Specific cravings will be rated from a zero (0)-indicating no craving or withdrawal, to a ten (10)-indicating maximum craving or withdrawal symptoms.

The intravenous bags will be marked "Group A" and "Group B" and will be made by a local compounding pharmacist. He will have no contact with the subjects. Heart rate, blood pressure and level of subject mental status will be conducted before each session. During the study, all subjects will be asked to eliminate or cut back on their alcohol or drug consumption but at any time may voluntary return to their pre-study consumption level, or be asked to by the doctor, if sever withdrawal symptoms occur. Failure to participate in 90% of the study will be grounds for dismissal. The people involved in administering the I.V. and monitoring the people will not know which bags contain the amino acids and which contain the placebo. At the end of 10-days the pharmacists will expose which group was the experimental group and which group was the placebo group-A or B, respectively. At that time the experimental and the placebo groups will undergo a daily debriefing and questionnaire rating their withdrawal symptom success and anti-craving level.

At the end of 10 sessions, the treatment group will be given 5 additional treatments of the same solution with D-phenylalanine added. Afterwards, the placebo group will get the treatment solution for 5 sessions followed by 5 session with D-phenylalanine added. All subjects at the end of their intravenous sessions will be debriefed and given the opportunity to take a one months worth of a similar oral based formula for maintenance efficacy.

Results

To stay sober, the war on addiction has many battlefronts to concour from dealing with initial withdrawals and craving to handling family and friend enablers, denial, stress, temptation and faith that we can overcome the disease that seals the heart, soul and life of mankind.

From Jan 21 until Feb 17th nine volunteers under took a major step to sobriety by introducing nutrition building blocks of neurotransmitters by intravenous means to battle withdrawal and cravings aspects. Only one individual had no response to our amino acids vitamin and mineral cocktail and continue daily drinking with no perceived change in anxiety and craving. All others expressed a significant response from moderate to profound anti-craving benefits by the end of the study.

The A group (RH, RY, KM, RA) received vitamins for the first 10 sessions, and although noticed a slight reduction in craving and anxiety, RY, KM, KA continued to drink. RH had marijuana addiction problems and throughout the study he did not use. The B group (RM, DR, RD, DB, JD) received the therapeutic formula less the D isomer of phenylalanine. They all continued drinking and showed no significant change in craving and anxiety. The A group noticed no significant change as well to 5 days of the therapeutic formula minus the D isomer. It wasn't until the last 5 days in both groups that a significant response in drinking reduction in sobriety along with cravings and anxiety reduction occurring.

The D isomer of phenylalanine appears to be a crucial component in withdrawal and craving issues. Addition to alcohol and drugs is caused by an imbalance or defiency of neurotransmitter activity in a cascade mode. Per Dr Blum serotonin releases enkephalin in the hypothalamus and enkephalin inhibits the release of GABA in the substantia nigra. The inhibition of GABA permits the release of dopamine in both the nucleus accumbens and the hippocampus.

Apparently up regulation of serotonin by tryptofan is not enough to release sufficient enkephalins to have an impact on up regulating dopamine despite direct stimulation of L-phenylalanine and L-tyrosine on increased dopamine production. The D form of phenylalanine, which inhibits enkephalin, appears paramount in the cascade theory and therefore causing substantial anxiety and craving reduction. Enkephlins are nature's natural painkillers and a reduction in pain appears critical to suppressing withdrawal and craving symptoms as well as balancing neurotransmitters. This study supports the 86% recovery rate in retrospective review of the current intravenous amino acid (TGGRS solution) being conducted at Excel treatment and recovery program. However, future clinical trials with genetic testing and greater numbers coupled with a variety of addictions would better support statistical efficacy of intravenous amino acid supplementation. In addition, why 10 to 15 percent of the population fail this program possibly could be cause from a yet unknown genetic pathway of metabolism with nationality possibly playing a role in this failure rate.

Conclusion

The TGGRS intravenous amino acid program in its current formula had statistical efficacy in nine patient's ability to handle their craving and anxiety perception and their ability to withdraw from alcohol. The D-phenylalanine isomer appears to be an essential ingredient to this formula. Together with education and counselling and nutrition, intravenous amino acid supplementation will prove to be a powerful tool in initially combating the evil grasp of addiction in today's society.

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