phlegm69
Bluelighter
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- Mar 29, 2002
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A SHORT course of multivitamins may help ice addicts kick their habit without intervention by doctors and pharmaceutical companies, a study has found.
Regular use of crystal methamphetamine depletes the brain of serotonin, noradrenaline and dopamine, chemicals responsible for motivation, arousal, wakefulness and mood regulation. Users can feel depressed and lethargic for up to four days while their brains replenish the neurotransmitters.
"Ice addicts don't eat very much because they have no appetite," said Adam Winstock, a senior lecturer with the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre.
"But without the right amino acids you get from a balanced diet, the brain cannot replace these chemicals, which make us happy. The addict continues to feel lousy and tired, and needs more ice to feel OK. It's a vicious circle and there is no effective treatment for ice addiction."
Many addicts were prescribed antidepressants after reporting a low mood to their doctor, while others were given anti-psychotics for paranoia, Dr Winstock said.
"But more drugs are not the answer. We need to get them physically healthy enough so they understand that they can feel better without ice. We have aimed to reduce the severity and duration of withdrawal symptoms by providing participants with replacements for these neurotransmitters."
In a nine-month trial at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Camperdown, Dr Winstock gave addicts supplements containing three amino acids known to rebuild neurotransmitters. "The counsellors reported that some people made quite a positive physical transformation … Some have stopped using ice and some have cut back."
More people are needed for the trial. Inquiries: 02 9515 6311.
Regular use of crystal methamphetamine depletes the brain of serotonin, noradrenaline and dopamine, chemicals responsible for motivation, arousal, wakefulness and mood regulation. Users can feel depressed and lethargic for up to four days while their brains replenish the neurotransmitters.
"Ice addicts don't eat very much because they have no appetite," said Adam Winstock, a senior lecturer with the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre.
"But without the right amino acids you get from a balanced diet, the brain cannot replace these chemicals, which make us happy. The addict continues to feel lousy and tired, and needs more ice to feel OK. It's a vicious circle and there is no effective treatment for ice addiction."
Many addicts were prescribed antidepressants after reporting a low mood to their doctor, while others were given anti-psychotics for paranoia, Dr Winstock said.
"But more drugs are not the answer. We need to get them physically healthy enough so they understand that they can feel better without ice. We have aimed to reduce the severity and duration of withdrawal symptoms by providing participants with replacements for these neurotransmitters."
In a nine-month trial at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Camperdown, Dr Winstock gave addicts supplements containing three amino acids known to rebuild neurotransmitters. "The counsellors reported that some people made quite a positive physical transformation … Some have stopped using ice and some have cut back."
More people are needed for the trial. Inquiries: 02 9515 6311.
http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/good-diet-can-help-ice-addicts/2008/04/11/1207856832431.html
strangely for me, nothing beats a good feed of mcdonalds or KFC after a big meth binge. GFF.
![:\](https://bluelight.org/xf/BL_Images/Orig_Emoji/wrygrin.gif "wry grin :\")
[EDIT: Unnecessary comments removed. hoptis]
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