All I can remember about amino acids from biology class is that they are the building blocks of protein–whatever that means. Now, I learn that amino acids are being used to treat alcoholism and drug abuse. Science and medicine just never cease to amaze me!

Mike Sanders, the Founder and CEO of ExecuCare, has brought amino acid therapy for drug treatment to Georgia. Mike was addicted to alcohol, OxyContin and Xanax, and when he sought treatment he found IV amino acids in Slidell, LA. Now, 2 years later he has opened his own treatment center in Norcross.

We all know people who have “checked in” for treatment. Some go for a few weeks, leave, and go for another few weeks, leave, and go for…. Others actually stay for that 28 (or is it 30) day program that we all hear is the absolute minimum needed to accomplish anything permanent. And then, there are those who do it right and sign up for 6 or 7 months. Well, how would you like to trade all of that for a 10-day outpatient program?

This is how the website describes the method:

Developed by Dr. William Hitt more than 20 years ago, the Neurotransmitter

Restoration (NTR) treament utilizes a special formulation that contains amino acids, minerals and vitamins. These formulations are administered intravenously over a 10-day period by a registered nurse under a doctor’s supervision.

At ExecuCare ARC, we treat the physical form of the disease by restoring normal brain function. The NTR treatment is the process in which the brain’s neurotransmitters are brought back into balance, allowing the brain to function as it did prior to the physical dependency on alcohol or drugs. This treatment speeds up the healing process and eliminates cravings while minimizing withdrawal symptoms.

More than 15,000 patients have been treated with a better than 80% success rate.

If amino acids, minerals and vitamins can suppress cravings for alcohol and drugs, it is just a matter of time before someone finds out what works for other addictions. It’s just more proof that most of our problems really are in our head, our brain actually.

All I can say is listen to the interview and if you know someone who has an addiction problem, give them a heads-up and let them decide if this is something that might help them.