Cocaine Addiction Medical Research Study Will Evaluate an Investigational Medication to See If It Can Reduce Cravings

Research Across America set to enroll patients in a cocaine addiction medical research study.

(PRWEB) June 27, 2004 -- RESEARCH ACROSS AMERICA, a clinical research center in Dallas, TX, is currently enrolling local volunteers in a 16-week national outpatient clinical research study to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of an investigational medication for cocaine addicts, to see if it can reduce their cravings for cocaine. Currently there are no approved medications available for decreasing cocaine-seeking behaviors in addicts. This medical research study will evaluate if this investigational medication could be a safe and effective future treatment option for cocaine addicts in decreasing cravings, preventing relapse, and easing the physical symptoms, especially in the early phase of treatment, and ultimately increase successful recovery chances.    

Cocaine dependence is a significant public health problem with serious medical, psychiatric, social, and economic consequences. Cocaine is the most potent brain stimulant and one of the most powerfully addictive drugs. Excessive cocaine use can cause seizures and even death, from respiratory failure, stroke, cerebral hemorrhage, or heart failure. Seventy-five percent of people who try cocaine will become addicted to it. Only 1 in 4 cocaine addicts will be able to quit using on their own. The majority of addicts will require treatment to stop using cocaine

The study is headed by Dr. Harold C. Urschel III, MD, MMA, a nationally respected addiction psychiatrist, whose addiction treatment program at the Cedars Hospital incorporates the latest advances in psychopharmacology (medications), including investigational medications into the program.

The basis of my rehabilitation program includes individual and group counseling sessions, encouragement of 12-step (AA, NA) participation, and assisting patients in maintaining their sobriety using specific, non-addicting medications or investigational medications," explains Dr. Urschel. Total abstinence from all drugs is the programs goal."    

Adults 18 years of age or older with cocaine dependence should call Research Across America at 972-4-DOCTOR, or visit www.researchacrossamerica.com to see if they qualify. Participants in the study will receive study medication and study-related medical care including physical exams, lab work, and individual therapy at no cost.

Research Across America, with sites in Texas, Pennsylvania, California, and New York, has conducted over 1,000 clinical trials for almost every major pharmaceutical, biotech, consumer care, and cosmeceutical company, in addition to other research institutions. Research Across America conducts clinical trials in numerous therapeutic areas. For more information about Research Across America, visit www.researchacrossamerica.com .

Anyone interested in speaking with Dr. Harold Urschel about this cocaine addiction medical research study should call 972-241-1222, ext. 122.

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