Khaberni - A new study demonstrates the possibility of treating addiction to "crystal methamphetamine" using a common and inexpensive drug, a step that could represent an important shift in dealing with this dangerous type of addiction.
Researchers from the National Drug and Alcohol Research Center at the University of New South Wales in Sydney found that "mirtazapine", primarily used as an antidepressant, can significantly help reduce methamphetamine use among addicts.
The results, part of a clinical trial known as "Tina", showed that individuals who took the medication reduced their usage days compared to those who received a placebo.
Methamphetamine is one of the most dangerous synthetic drugs with a strong stimulant effect, while its crystal form, known as "ice", is the purest and most potent. About 7.4 million people worldwide suffer from addiction disorders, a chronic addiction associated with serious health risks such as heart disease, strokes, kidney failure, as well as mental disorders, suicide, and premature death.
To date, there are no drugs specifically approved for the treatment of this type of addiction, making these findings particularly significant.
In details of the study, the trial involved 339 people with moderate to severe addiction, randomly assigned to receive either "mirtazapine" at a daily dose of 30 mg, or a placebo, for a period of 12 weeks. Participants were using the drug an average of 24 days out of 28 days before starting treatment.
By the end of the trial, the usage days for those who took "mirtazapine" decreased by an average of seven days, compared to a decrease of only 4.8 days for the other group, reflecting a notable improvement although described as modest.
Researchers affirm that this improvement, albeit limited, could positively impact the health and quality of life of the patients, especially since many of them had never sought medical help before.
The results also showed that the drug is generally safe, although some side effects such as drowsiness and weight gain were recorded among some participants.
Researchers believe that the importance of "mirtazapine" is not only limited to reducing usage but also extends to improving mood and sleep, which are key factors affecting the continuity of addiction.
The study team hopes that these results will open the door to new, more comprehensive treatment options for people suffering from methamphetamine addiction.
The study was published in the journal JAMA Psychiatry.
