title: Improvement of inpatient treatment of the alcoholic as a function of neurotransmitter restoration: a pilot study.
abstract: We report results of a double-blind evaluation of the nutritional supplement SAAVE for facilitating improvement in a 30-day inpatient alcohol and drug rehabilitation center. SAAVE is uniquely designed to elevate levels of enkephalin(s), serotonin, catecholamines, and GABA, which are believed to be functionally deficient in alcoholics. Twenty-two patients were studied. The SAAVE patients, as compared to the control group (a) had a lower BUD (building up to drink) score, 1 vs 2; (b) required no PRN benzodiazepines, 0% vs 94%; (c) ceased tremoring at 72 h, as compared to 96 h; and (d) had no severe depression on the MMPI, in contrast to 24% of control group. These preliminary data suggest that SAAVE is a valuable adjunct to therapy by aiding the patient's physical adjustment to a detoxified state while facilitating a more positive response to behavioral therapy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio 78284.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Blum
authors.forename: M C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Trachtenberg
authors.forename: J C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Ramsay
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D000596:Amino Acids / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001921:Brain / Q000187:drug effects*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000378:metabolism*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011897:Random Allocation
chemical_list: D000596:Amino Acids; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents