Could a Pill Cure Addiction?
Dopamine is thought to be involved in alcoholism, as it reinforces reward responses. When naltrexone is introduced into an alcoholic’s system, it reduces the craving for alcohol.
However, naltrexone should not be seen as a cure-all. Currently, studies have only shown that it reduces the amount of alcohol consumed, not the complete eradication. In the case of addiction, any consumption of an addictive drug is not preferential. Nevertheless, it does open up treatment options for alcoholics who have not found behavioral therapy enough to kick the habit.
More on naltrexone:
CNN: With anti-addiction pill, ‘no urge, no cravings’
http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/04/15/addiction.cold.turkey.pill/index.html
Wikipedia: Naltrexone
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naltrexone
Elizabeth Stannard Gromisch is a bachelor's of science candidate in neuroscience at Trinity College in Hartford, CT. She's the senior co-editor of the Feminist Scholarship Review and Women Unite!
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Listen to how naltrexone used in the correct manner - with the Sinclair Method - helped a young woman who habitually 'drank to black-out' transform her life to break free from alcohol after 3 months at:
www.TheCureForAlcoholism.com - scroll down to Ella mp3
Yes, A Pill can CURE Alcoholism !!! The Sinclair Method works !! I am a cured alcoholic. I began drnking in 1972. I have tried AA, RR, MM, SOS, psychiatry, religion, and the like. I have been in 2 detoxes, 2 rehabs, and 1 mental ward due to alcoholism. I have lost 2 really good jobs and had many broken relationships. I tried AA for 15 years. I really tried, I got sponsors (all good, selfless men who only wanted to help), I did 90 in 90, I hit my knees, I read the big book, I chaired meetings, came early, left late, went for coffeee, made coffe, and did an honest 4th and 5th steps. I met many fine people in AA who got and stayed sober via the 12 steps. I applaud their success and I admire their dedication. I was dry for up to 5 years at a time but it jus tdid not work for me due to a variety of reasons. Several months ago I tried the Sinclair method. After 17 weeks of taking Naltrexone and drinking, I am now cured. I know people will say I'm in denial or that I was never a true alcoholic but I know the truth. Every cell in my body no longer craves alcohol, I have no fear of it and it no longer controls me. As long as I take my Naltrexone, I am able to drink socially, not alcoholically. I cannot adequately describe how I feel. All I can say is that I am free. I would like to add that I do not advocate TSM for everyone. If someone is sober in AA and is happy, joyous, and free then they should keep that up. If however you are struggling and are looking for a alternate way out then maybe you should give TSM a try. I think any method that helps you beat the beast is a good method.
Interesting post.The information on Naltrexone is new and quite informative for me.Hope I could suggest it to my friends who are suffering from severe addiction.Some useful and related information on the topic is also found in the following link,
http://www.cliffsidemalibu.com/
May be they benefit the readers.