Drug users wanted for withdrawal research trial

Stimulant users trying to kick the habit could be eligible to take part in a new research trial.
Sydney South West Area Health Service will study the effectiveness of monoamine precursor supplements for reducing withdrawal symptoms.
The supplements, which act as the building blocks for a number of chemical messengers in the brain including dopamine, noradrenaline and serotonin, will be given to one randomised group of participants, while the others will be given placebo precursors.
All participants will receive multivitamins and four weekly sessions of cognitive behavioural therapy.
A person’s recovery from withdrawal is largely determined by how quickly they can regenerate the chemical messengers, Dr Adam Winstock from Sydney South West Area Health Service said.
“Many stimulant users don’t have good diets and don’t have a good source of building blocks to process food to help replenish the monoamine neurotransmitters,” he said.
“It is hoped that if a patient’s withdrawal is reduced and their mood improves they will be less likely to go back and use.”
Stimulant drugs, including methamphetamine, ecstasy and cocaine, work by causing a steep but temporary increase in the chemical messengers in the brain, according to Sydney South West Area Health Service researchers.
When a person stops using the stimulant drugs, the brain cells containing these messengers are emptied, the body slows down, and the comedown kicks in.
The idea with the new treatment is that by providing the body with the building blocks and other vitamins and minerals the body needs to make these chemicals, participants will feel better quicker and will be less likely to start use stimulant drugs again.
The building blocks given to participants will be amino acids, 5-hydroxy tryptophan, phenylalanine and l-tyrosine.
Participants must be over 18 years old and be seeking treatment for their use of methamphetamine, cocaine or ecstasy. The men and women must have been using the drugs at least two times a week for at least three months.
Users must not have used other drugs, aside from cigarettes, must not be on mood stabilisers such as anti-depressants, and must not be pregnant.
Research follow-up interviews will take place three months and six months after the treatment.
Winstock said the trial was the first of its kind in Australia.
For more information or to get involved call 9515 6311.