Methamphetamine Addiction Treatment Trial

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The abuse of methamphetamines has been rising nationwide. According to the National Institutes of Health, from 2011 to 2018, deaths involving methamphetamines rose from 1.8 to 10.1 per 100,000 men and from 0.8 to 4.5 per 100,000 women. [1] In 2020, an estimated 1.5 million Americans were classified as having a methamphetamine use disorder. [2]

Methamphetamines are engineered to cause the brain to release unprecedented quantities of dopamine. It is far more addictive than heroin and does a more effective job of taking control of its host. Like heroin, meth plunges individuals into a relentless cycle of getting money, getting drugs, and getting high. Although methamphetamines are not as fatal as heroin, they cause brain damage, heart damage, drastic aging of the skin and bones, and destruction of teeth. It also destroys the host's personality, relationships, finances, and career. At the same time, it enriches the some of the worst criminal elements on Earth.

The current standards for controlling methamphetamine addiction involve cognitive-behavioral therapy and motivational incentives. At present, there are currently no government-approved medications to treat it [3]. We are testing an approach which combines hypnosis and virtual reality. Our system works with your mind to contain and ultimately neutralize your addiction. It creates a safe zone in your mind for drug-related thoughts and firmly steers you away from any contact with methamphetamine. We need volunteers to test this approach.

What are we seeking?

We are seeking people who are primarily addicted to methamphetamines. They may be using methamphetamines alone or in combination with other drugs.

What will the volunteers do?

The trial entails having volunteers download our video onto their smart phones and play it for a month, using a set of VR goggles, as described here. The video runs for 47 minutes, and volunteers can view it in the comfort of their own homes. Volunteers will use this product in addition to following any other professional medical or psychiatric advice which they have been given. Patients should not disregard their doctors' advice!

Where is the trial located?

Since the trial is over the Internet, there is no need to travel anywhere.

Is there a cost?

In this testing stage, our video is free to use. However, in order to test our software, the volunteers will need to have a smartphone with a 4½" – 6" screen, measured diagonally. Volunteers will also need virtual reality headsets with built-in speakers. For a full explanation of the requirements, please click here.

Will I be compensated?

Everyone who participates in and completes this trial will have this software to use indefinitely and will be entitled to use all future versions of it, free of charge.

Why do we think this video is worth testing?

Studies have shown that hypnosis is helpful in fighting addiction. Although there are few, if any, studies on the effectiveness of hypnosis for treating current substances, such as crystal meth, hypnosis has been tried on other highly addictive substances such as heroin. For example, an Israeli study tried hypnosis therapy for 10 active heroin addicts for 10 weekly sessions. All patients (100%) completely stopped use of any street drugs and results remained stable for 6 months after end of treatment. Two years after end of intervention, 7 out of the 9 (78%) remained clean of use of heroin.[4] Another study of 70 adults compared hypnotherapy and psychotherapy in the treatment of addicts. According to the study, "Significant differences were found on all measures. The experimental group had significantly less discomfort and illicit drug use, and a significantly greater number of [successful] withdrawals. At six-month follow-up, 94% of the subjects in the experimental group who had achieved withdrawal remained narcotic-free."[5]

Does the video have any known side effects?

No.

What is my time commitment?

You must agree to use the video for about 50 minutes per day for a month in a quiet place. You can view it in your favorite chair, on the couch, or in bed.

How do I Register?

Please email us at TreatmentTrials@mindbasedsolutions.com.


Studies:

[1] "Methamphetamine overdose deaths rise sharply nationwide," by NIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse. Science Daily, January 20, 2021.

[2] "Key Substance Use and Mental Health Indicators in the United States: Results from the 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health," U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration , p.30.

[3] "Methamphetamine Drug Facts," by the National Institute on Drug Abuse , May 2019.

[4] "Group hypnosis treatment of drug addicts," by David Kaminsky, Paula Rosca, Danny Budowski, Yaakov Korin, Liat Yakhnich; Harefuah, Aug-Sep 2008;147(8-9):679-83, 751.

[5] "A Comparative Study of Hypnotherapy and Psychotherapy in the Treatment of Methadone Addicts," by Aaron J. Manganiello Ed.D.; American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis , (1984) 26:4, 273-279