Addiction Fighting Drug Approved by FDA

[golf99]

A 30 day injection that blocks the appetite to drink, offers alcohol-dependent patients a new and better way to fight their addiction. The FDA has just approved the drug, something psychiatrists here and around the country have been anxiously waiting for.

Rick Herschel is a college professor who lost almost everything because of a drinking problem. In fact, he was even stopping at bars before and after rehab, almost thumbing his nose at any attempts to intervene in his addiction.

Rick Herschel: "So I systematically had taken everyone who cared for me and pushed them away."

But then along came a clinical trial, testing a 30-day injection of a drug called Vivitrol. The urge to drink disappeared.

The main ingredient has been available in pill form, but never a timed released injection like this. Over 30 days, specially designed particles bind to opioid receptors in the brain. Compliance appears easier, with fewer relapses.

How do drinkers respond to the recipes in these new drugs? Psychiatrist Dr. Michael Crookston says they don't even think about alcohol.

Michael Crookston, M.D., LDS Hospital Dayspring Program: "Drinking isn't as much fun. The term that was used once is it takes the buzz out of beer."

Hopefully with a second FDA approval, the new compounds could also be used to block a user of pain killers or street drugs from getting high.

Michael Crookston, M.D.: "If they tried to use and they still can take the pills or inject heroin, nothing happens."

KSL interviewed a woman we'll call Rebecca. In her case, she became addicted not only to alcohol, but pain killers and heroin as well. Rebecca's addictions spanned some ten years. But in yet another new drug she's taking now…

"Rebecca": "I started on that and it was pretty much instantly, my craving, my desire to do that were gone."

And while in the hospital for an injury, when doctors gave her a legitimate pain medication?

Rebecca: "I took the pain medication and it didn't do anything to me but kill the pain."

The high, the euphoria never happened; they were blocked.

The once a month injection of Vivitrol should be available for patients this summer


***KSL 5 News ^

[Buzz Kilowatt]

Golf,

If I recall correctly, this new drug is essentially Naltrexone, which is well known as an opiate antagonist. Apparently it works for alcohol addiction, too.

The usual caveats apply, e.g. liver damage can occur.

-Buzz

[Paul83]

A friend of mine in an AA group I sometimes goto said this drug made him really depressed and after about 3wks he had to get off it. not advising anyone just sharing what i've heard

[angelgirl]

Hi all,

Happy Easter Weekend All!!

Hmm, This sounds ALOT like Suboxone.

specially designed particles bind to opioid receptors in the brain

This is how sub works.

"If they tried to use and they still can take the pills or inject heroin, nothing happens."
The high, the euphoria never happened; they were blocked.

I am on Sub, and I haven't relapsed since I have started on it, but I know a couple people that have, and this is what they have said happens, nothing happens, you feel nothing. So no sense in using. Although, with suboxone, there still is some cravings.

I guess we shall see, I think it's great, WE ALL know around here, that what works for one person, doesn't necessarily work for another. Sounds promising. Let's hope it will be a great start for who ever chooses it..

Thanks for the info..

Prayers to you all,
Love,
Becky