UK - Residential Clinic
Looking for a rehab clinic/treatment centre in the
UK area?
You can receive independent, expert advice on alcohol rehabilitation and rehab centres by telephoning directly on 0845 370 0203
The most important consideration in choosing a rehab centre is to match the individual to the rehab centre that is most
likely to lead to a successful outcome.
We can provide an assessment of all
your needs and a recommendation regarding the most effective rehab placement for you, given your particular circumstances. We can provide fast, immediate access to alcohol treatment.
Rehab News: Breakthrough could lead to personalised naltrexone treatment
New research shows a correlation between genotyping and the treatment of alcohol dependence.
Researchers have discovered a direct correlation between patients with the Asp40 allele, a variation of the receptor gene OPRM1, and the drug naltrexone.
The link was found by scientists participating in the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism's 2001-2004 Combined Pharmacotherapies and Behavioral Interventions for Alcohol Dependence Study (COMBINE Study).
In a statement the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) explained that patients with this variant gene responded positively to the drug that blocks opiate receptors in the brain thereby reducing gratification from alcohol.
Patients who were treated with naltrexone and have the Asp40 gene variant go without harmful drinking for a longer period of time, but they also consumed fewer beverages on the days they did drink.
Raymond Anton, COMBINE Study principal investigator and director of the Center for Drug and Alcohol Programs at MUSC, explained the significance of the findings.
"For the first time we might have a 'personalised medical treatment' for alcoholism," he said.
"Discovery that a common genetic trait predicts treatment response to a commonly used medication should enhance its effectiveness and helps focus alcohol treatment in a cost-effective manner."
He added that these findings provide a viable solution for the 15 to 25 per cent of the population that carry the Asp40 allele.
Alcohol counselling did not have the same affect as the drug, therefore researchers conclude genotyping is most beneficial without the therapy.
Article published on 11/02/2008 by DryOutNow.com
