1960s drug 'alcoholism cure hope'

[emad]

BBC


A hallucinogenic drug popular in the 1960s could help scientists find a medical treatment for alcoholism, US researchers believe.
A University of California team said ibogaine blocked alcohol cravings in rats by boosting a brain protein.

It was already thought it could combat addiction, but scientists have been wary as the drug is also toxic.

It is hoped a treatment which works in the same way as ibogaine but without the side effects could be developed.

Ibogaine
It causes hallucinations as well a feeling of lightness
Effects strongest after two hours
Users can experience a deep dreamy trance-like state for long periods
Used as a recreational drug
Also taken by heroin and cocaine addicts to beat cravings

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/4182233.stm

[On the Road]

1. Ibogaine?

I always thought that was a creation of Hunter Thompson. Or else something that no one ever actually used. Who knew? Maybe Ed Muskie really was a user.

[emad]

2. Last time I read about this, someone was touting Apomorphine

as a "cure" for withdrawl from heroin and alcohol....

William Burroughs's son wrote about it in the 602 I think.

[LiberalEsto]

3. Sounds yummy!

How did I manage to miss this one in my hippie days?

[dutchdoctor]

4. Mmmm smart, replacing one drug with another...

University of California team said ibogaine blocked alcohol cravings in rats by boosting a brain protein.
So how do you then block Ibogaine craving?

[NNadir]

5. People forget heroin was developed to "cure" morphine addiction.

[BBradley]

6. It's not addictive.

It's a very intense experience that can last over a day. It is not something people would pop and be able to function at all while it's effects lasted. Why don't you research yourself before immediately blasting something some of us have been touting as a addiction aid for years. It works. I've seen it used.