A breakthrough in studies being conducted to aid in relief from alcoholism found another exciting discovery when the study demonstrated positive results when tested in laboratories against cocaine addiction. The Kudzu vine is native to Asia, but was brought to the southeastern area of the United States to control soil erosion. This vine has numerous positive uses already and the list keeps growing. Researchers at Gilead Sciences Inc. have performed tests on rats in their laboratories that have shown remarkable outcomes. When rats were given the extract from the Kudzu vine, the rats would show no interest in continuing usage of the cocaine they had been having regular access to.
It is not certain how the vine helps prevent people from wanting to consume alcohol or cocaine at this point, but it has been narrowed down to the reward circuits in the brain. The extract has been pulled from the Kudzu vine, made synthetically and is being transformed into pill form, according to the Gilead research team. Drug treatment programs all over the world will be able to benefit from this fascinating plant once more studies involving humans have been completed and approved for use by the FDA. Kudzu has been used in Asia for quite some time as a remedy for those looking for alcohol treatment. It is just finally getting the recognition it deserves and is being granted permission for more extensive research.
At this point, drug treatment experts will agree that cocaine addiction is a difficult addiction to overcome. Without an all-embracing awareness of the neurobiology behind addiction, there really is no effective chemical dependency assistance. Studies and findings on this plant are both remarkable and exciting for alcohol treatment success and cocaine/drug therapy. The experimental synthetic extract from the Kudzu vine is titled: CVT- 10216. Not only in the laboratory studies did it appear to keep the rats from wanting more cocaine, once weaned, the drug treatment showed that it aided in the prevention of relapse in the animals. Scientists believe that tetrahydropapaveroline or “THP” compound levels interfere with dopamine. Those craving feelings are able to be sustained. Could this miracle plant be the answer to the not only alcohol treatment, but drug treatment as well? Could more drugs than cocaine be addressed by this simple plant? More research has yet to be completed, but it is looking like CVT-10216 may have a very positive outcome for the rehab industry in the future.
Natural and holistic therapies relating to addiction treatment have proven to be successful. For example: Vista Taos Renewal Center in New Mexico offers drug treatment programs that include massage, meditation and even equine therapy. Studies are being done and we are learning that these natural methods of health and well-being are contributing more toward alcohol treatment and drug treatment than medications, self-help groups and other methods when not used in conjunction with one another. A blend of these experiences has been proven to aid in alcohol and drug treatment. You must treat the patient as a whole. It is not just the body, but the mind also that is effected by addiction. When non-medical techniques are included in drug and alcohol treatment, the results have a great chance of being more effective.
If you are researching a drug and alcohol treatment facility to help you or a loved one fight the battle against addiction, consider alternatives that include holistic and natural therapies. Look for recovery centers that are supportive and that focus on providing coping skills and tools for sobriety. Diet and exercise have become other important elements in alcohol treatment just as meetings with your support group/counselor. It is the holistic approach to alcohol and drug treatment that will prevail.
