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23/09/2003
Epilepsy drug could help treat addicts
An epilepsy drug used in Europe and elsewhere can stop cocaine use in hard-core addicts, in part by eliminating their craving for cocaine, according to the first study to assess the treatment's effects on addicts.
The study at the New York University School of Medicine, found that 40% of addicts who took gamma-vinyl-GABA (GVG) - also known as vigabatrin and by the trade name Sabril – were able to stay clean for more than 60 days.
Over the past decade, researchers had studied GVG in animals, and published numerous articles showing that the treatment in animals blocks the rise in dopamine levels produced by cocaine, nicotine and many other addicting substances. Dopamine is a brain chemical associated with the pleasurable effects of addicting drugs.
The subsequent study involved 20 addicts, 19 men and one woman, who had been using cocaine daily for three to 15 years. All of the addicts had expressed a desire to kick their habit. Under the trial's guidelines, they had to provide urine samples twice a week and answer daily questionnaires about their drug use and cravings.
In the first 10 days of the trial, eight subjects dropped out because they didn't want to stop using cocaine. Among the 12 remaining subjects, eight (or 40% of the total enrolled) completed the trial and were tapered off GVG. At the time of the study's publication, all eight of the subjects remain free of cocaine more than four weeks after their GVG treatment ended. Moreover, the people who quit using cocaine reported that their craving did not return once they tapered off GVG.
"These addicts were able to stay clean even without leaving the environment that had fostered their addiction. They gained weight, they got jobs, and they are now living with their families," said lead researcher Dr Jonathan Brodie.
(gmcg)
The study at the New York University School of Medicine, found that 40% of addicts who took gamma-vinyl-GABA (GVG) - also known as vigabatrin and by the trade name Sabril – were able to stay clean for more than 60 days.
Over the past decade, researchers had studied GVG in animals, and published numerous articles showing that the treatment in animals blocks the rise in dopamine levels produced by cocaine, nicotine and many other addicting substances. Dopamine is a brain chemical associated with the pleasurable effects of addicting drugs.
The subsequent study involved 20 addicts, 19 men and one woman, who had been using cocaine daily for three to 15 years. All of the addicts had expressed a desire to kick their habit. Under the trial's guidelines, they had to provide urine samples twice a week and answer daily questionnaires about their drug use and cravings.
In the first 10 days of the trial, eight subjects dropped out because they didn't want to stop using cocaine. Among the 12 remaining subjects, eight (or 40% of the total enrolled) completed the trial and were tapered off GVG. At the time of the study's publication, all eight of the subjects remain free of cocaine more than four weeks after their GVG treatment ended. Moreover, the people who quit using cocaine reported that their craving did not return once they tapered off GVG.
"These addicts were able to stay clean even without leaving the environment that had fostered their addiction. They gained weight, they got jobs, and they are now living with their families," said lead researcher Dr Jonathan Brodie.
(gmcg)
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31 January 2013
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Two women have been found guilty of the torture and murder of retired bus conductor, 67-year-old Barry Reeve. Drug addicts Jodie Barnes, 31, and Kelly Barnes, 32, were convicted at Norwich Crown Court. The court heard that the pair, who are civil partners, believed he had hidden money and tortured him in an attempt to make him reveal his Pin code.
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Two women have been found guilty of the torture and murder of retired bus conductor, 67-year-old Barry Reeve. Drug addicts Jodie Barnes, 31, and Kelly Barnes, 32, were convicted at Norwich Crown Court. The court heard that the pair, who are civil partners, believed he had hidden money and tortured him in an attempt to make him reveal his Pin code.
13 October 2006
Move to reclassify crystal meth as Class A drug
Crystal methamphetamine could be reclassified as a Class A drug, following moves to increase the penalties for taking the highly addictive substance. The synthetic drug, which is known as crystal meth, ice or crank, can come in pill, powder or crystal form, and can be smoked, injected or snorted, producing a rush similar to crack cocaine.
Move to reclassify crystal meth as Class A drug
Crystal methamphetamine could be reclassified as a Class A drug, following moves to increase the penalties for taking the highly addictive substance. The synthetic drug, which is known as crystal meth, ice or crank, can come in pill, powder or crystal form, and can be smoked, injected or snorted, producing a rush similar to crack cocaine.
02 October 2015
Man Jailed Over False Kidnap Claim
A man who claimed to have been kidnapped and demanded a ransom from his partner to secure his release has been jailed. Police were contacted by the distressed partner of Paresh Savji Devraj, who reported that he had been kidnapped and that he would be beaten and killed if she didn't pay £1,000.
Man Jailed Over False Kidnap Claim
A man who claimed to have been kidnapped and demanded a ransom from his partner to secure his release has been jailed. Police were contacted by the distressed partner of Paresh Savji Devraj, who reported that he had been kidnapped and that he would be beaten and killed if she didn't pay £1,000.
15 May 2015
New Test Developed To Detect Cocaine Use Through A Fingerprint
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03 July 2007
Doherty pleads guilty to drugs charges
Babyshambles frontman Pete Doherty had pleaded guilty to possession of drugs after arriving more than two hours late at a court appearance in London. An arrest warrant had been issued for the 28-year-old singer earlier on Tuesday after he failed to turn up at 9:30am for a hearing at West London Magistrates' Court.
Doherty pleads guilty to drugs charges
Babyshambles frontman Pete Doherty had pleaded guilty to possession of drugs after arriving more than two hours late at a court appearance in London. An arrest warrant had been issued for the 28-year-old singer earlier on Tuesday after he failed to turn up at 9:30am for a hearing at West London Magistrates' Court.
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