Destination Hope's Drug Rehab for Women Addresses New Drug for Alcoholism
Fort Lauderdale, Fla (PRWEB) April 30, 2014 -- According to researchers at the Boston University School of Medicine, a new anti-seizure drug could possibly be used to treat alcoholism. Destination Hope: The Women’s Program, an internationally lauded drug rehab for women in South Florida, reminds us to be wary of these claims. The FDA approved the drug, ezogabine, in 2011, and it works to normalize brain activity through a particular potassium channel in the brain. This area of the brain may also regulate the effects of alcohol.
“Although this could be very positive news for alcohol treatment, we should be careful not to act too quickly,” said Ben Brafman, CEO & founder of Destination Hope: The Women’s Program. “It’s not the first time that a drug has been touted for its potential to lessen the effects of alcohol on the reward center of the brain. Before we move forward or incorporate this as a drug rehab for women treatment method, there is still more research to do.”
The researchers noted one significant concern, and that has to do with the drug’s side effects. As listed on the drug’s documentation, ezogabine can cause drowsiness and dizziness: effects that can be heightened with higher dosages or if combined with alcohol. It is not yet known what level of dosage is necessary for the alcoholism treatment effects to set in.
“The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism cites that of the approximately 17 million Americans with an alcohol use disorder, only 15 percent of them seek treatment. The great thing about these sorts of discoveries is that they might encourage more people to get help for alcoholism,” said Brafman. “But what we remind our clients at drug rehab for women is that there’s no quick fix for alcoholism. It takes time, commitment, and personalized treatment to achieve recovery.”
The drug is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline, and labeled as Potiga. This particular drug is currently only approved for treatment of seizure disorders. Until further research and approvals have occurred, any use of the drug to treat alcoholism would occur ‘off-label.’
“Remember that each client’s treatment program will look different,” said Brafman, a 20-year veteran of the behavioral health industry. “Even if drugs like this one are approved to treat alcoholism, they may not work for every person. That’s why it’s so important to develop a treatment plan that’s designed especially for you.”
Destination Hope:
The Women’s Program is a full service addiction, drug, alcohol and dual diagnosis drug rehab for women treatment facility in Florida for women suffering from substance abuse and mental health issues. Treatment programs include: drug rehab, alcohol rehab, outpatient rehab, dual diagnosis therapy, family therapy programs, prescription drug rehab aftercare and women’s health programs to treat depression, anxiety and eating disorders. Destination Hope: The Women’s Program and its partner program, Destination Hope, provide gender specific therapy in an intimate treatment environment. For more information on the center or substance abuse and addiction treatment, please go to http://www.womensdrugrehab.com.
Alton Smith, Destination Hope: The Women's Program, http://www.womensdrugrehab.com, +1 866-808-7111, [email protected]
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