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Restorative effects of Neurontin probed
Recent American research (linked here) has found chemicals that show promise in reducing the urge to drink. Scientists have shown that gabapentin helps to restore certain brain cells to normal function after they have been altered by chronic alcohol abuse. These cells are located within the amygdala which plays a role in the limbic systems regulation of fear. It is also involved in regulating the consumption of alcohol. The study showed that alcohol dependent rats drank less alcohol if they were given gabapentin. This suggests that gabapentin could one day be used by alcohol rehab centers as part of an alcohol treatment program.
Professor Marisa Roberto, Ph.D., was the first author of the study. She said that their "research shows that gabapentin not only changes the alcohol-consumption patterns of addicted rats (and not of the control group), but also may reverse some of the effects of addiction on a specific neurotransmitter in the brain.”
Gabapentin has previously been shown to effectively treat alcohol withdrawal and reduce the cravings following alcohol detoxification in alcoholics. The new study builds upon this knowledge by expanding on the role of gabapentin (sold commercially as Neurontin) in neural signalling in the brain.
The study was conducted by testing the effects of gabapentin on the behaviour of alcohol-dependent and non-dependent rats. By comparing the results researchers were able to determine that receiving gabapentin reduced the amount of anxiety-like behaviours the rats showed when abstaining from alcohol.
Alcohol dependence has been assoicated with increased strength of inhibitory synapses in the central amygdala. Gabapentin works to normalize the strength of these connections between brain cells in alcohol dependent rats.
The effects of gabapentin disappeared in the prescence of GABA inhibitors which suggests that at least part of its effect comes from releasing GABA at the synapses in the amygdala. Further studies are planned to test the mechanism of gabapentin's effect in the brain. Clinical trials investigating the effectiveness of gabapentin as a treatment for alchol dependence are underway.
The journal article is linked here.
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Channah Thailand
| Channah Thailand | ||
 Beautifully decorated interiors |
 Meals are often taken outside next to the river, what an opportunity to relax! |
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 Accommodation is offered in individual bungalows |
 The property is private and secluded and offers beautiful gardens |
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Channah Thailand is Asia's only dedicated Residential Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation centre for English speaking clients. Utilizing a Non-12-step CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) approach with all British therapeutic staff, Channah Thailand believes in treating the whole person, not just the addiction.
Set in a lush tropical paradise on the banks of the River Kwai, Channah offers you a 28 day primary care programme unlike anything available elsewhere in the world, and tailored to your needs. All programmes can be extended if necessary.