July 19, 2013 Rebekah Eliason for redOrbit.com Your Universe Online Several past studies have shown the drug to be effective for those addicted to either cocaine or alcohol, but no clinical trials have been performed on people addicted to both. Since cocaine and alcohol addictions often come together, it may be useful to research therapies that target both problems. The study included 170 participants addicted to both alcohol and cocaine who were part of a 13-week trial in which some received topiramate and others a placebo. Addicts had an average age of 45 and were comprised of predominantly African American males using crack cocaine. The study found the drug reduced alcohol cravings, but participants continued to drink the same amount. And while topiramate appeared to have no affect on cocaine cravings, addicts who were on topiramate were more likely to cease cocaine use and continue the trial in the last three weeks than those who took the placebo. Those with the most intense cocaine withdrawal symptoms such as agitation, restless behavior and mood aggression seemed to benefit the greatest from topiramate. Kyle M. Kampman, MD, professor of Psychiatry at the Perelman School of Medicine said, Cocaine dependence continues to be … Continue reading →

KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany Military families with autistic children were relieved to learn a contentious new policy for autism treatment will not apply to them. For all of the existing programs, there is no plan to implement more rigorous requirements during the next year, Dr. Jonathan Woodson, assistant defense secretary for health affairs, said during a July 11 conference call with reporters. Military parents and advocacy groups took the news as Tricare easing restrictions on military families in the face of intense pressure. But in the conference call, Woodson denied that Tricare was backtracking. Weve not changed any decision. Weve tried to put out clarifying information, he said. Over the last 10 days or so, scores of military parents with autistic children, autism advocacy groups and members of Congress have loudly criticized the militarys healthcare system for implementing more restrictive rules for coverage of autism treatment, changes that Tricare quietly published in an updated policy manual late last month without notifying current beneficiaries. The proposed rules, scheduled to take effect Thursday, include limiting coverage of special behavioral therapy to two years without a waiver; psychometric testing every six months to show measurable progress; and an age cutoff of 17, without a waiver. … Continue reading →