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Pierce County Alliance Announced 6 Months Outcomes Data on Offenders Treated With PROMETA(R) Treatment Protocol for Stimulant Dependence at 2006 Pacific Rim Meth Summit

Posted on: Thursday, 5 October 2006, 09:00 CDT

The Pierce County Alliance (PCA) today reported at the 2006 Pacific Rim Meth Summit results from its 6 month follow up on a pilot to evaluate the PROMETA® protocol for the treatment of methamphetamine and cocaine dependence within the felony and family drug court system. Terree Schmidt-Whelan, executive director of PCA, announced at the 2006 Pacific Rim Meth Summit that 98% of aggregate urine screens tested negative for all substances, including methamphetamine and cocaine use, and 92% of the 40 patients who participated in the pilot remain drug free 6 months after treatment initiation.

The PROMETA protocol for the treatment of methamphetamine and cocaine dependence was adopted as a treatment by the PCA earlier this year when it was concluded that PCA's success in using PROMETA with offenders had far surpassed that of any other treatment model previously used. The PROMETA protocol for stimulant dependence integrates nutritional, medical, and psychosocial care within PCA's existing infrastructure and treatment framework.

According to a 2005 report on drug abuse trends, Pierce County had seven times the number of per capita methamphetamine incidents than King County - the state's most populous county. Methamphetamine incidents were defined as a combination of active labs used for manufacturing and dump sites of lab equipment or inactive labs. Currently servicing approximately 2,000 individuals, PCA is the primary substance dependence treatment provider for the County's drug offenders, the majority of whom are methamphetamine or cocaine dependent.

"We continue to be impressed at the success of these initial methamphetamine and cocaine dependent subjects treated using PROMETA protocols," said Schmidt-Whelan. "These results have far exceeded the results of other treatments that we've employed in our system, and any other mode of treatment that we are aware of for stimulant dependent subjects. For several years we have gathered at the Summit to share news about the latest ways to approach treatment for those crippled by these highly addictive drugs, and it is gratifying to share PCA's results with PROMETA with an audience of professionals who are searching for the latest alternatives to assist the criminal justice system in managing what continues to be a growing problem in our communities."

Schmidt-Whelan continued, "PCA has dedicated a portion of its facilities to providing treatment using the PROMETA protocols given the success we have experienced with them. As a result of this success, we have also begun offering it to a greater population."

Schmidt-Whelan, Ph.D., oversaw delivery of treatment to the pilot program, which included 40 individuals, in the Felony Drug and Family Treatment Court, and Joy P. Ruiz-Molleston, M.D., former president of the Washington Society of Addiction, administered the PROMETA treatment.

About the 2006 Pacific Rim Meth Summit

The 2006 Pacific Rim Meth Summit in Washington State brought together local, state, and federal law enforcement professionals in the region to address the most current problems and promises of dealing with methamphetamine. The theme of the 2006 Summit was "Science, Technology, Treatment & Enforcement," and was designed to give attendees the latest tools and practices available by providing a look into major scientific breakthroughs in treatment; unveiling the first-ever, states-based comprehensive web site on methamphetamine; exploring the technological potential to collaborate regionally and across international borders; and addressing, as a region, the new challenges that face law enforcement in dealing with a growing international import/export marketplace for meth.

About Pierce County Alliance

The Pierce County Alliance is a private non-profit social service agency organized to deliver a wide range of social services to clientele throughout Pierce County. Organized in 1972, "The Alliance" has grown to become one of the largest in the state as it expanded its programs to better respond to community needs and the multi-faceted issues of substance abuse, mental health, and at-risk youth. In doing so, the agency earned a reputation for innovation and organizational effectiveness and garnered numerous federal and local grants to undertake major program initiatives. To deal with the burgeoning problem of drug-related crime, the agency collaborated with local criminal justice officials to develop federally sanctioned drug treatment courts, with the Alliance providing the treatment component for Pierce County's Felony Drug Court and Family Treatment Court.

ABOUT PROMETA® AND HYTHIAM®

The PROMETA treatment protocols are developed and licensed by Hythiam (NASDAQ:HYTM), a healthcare services management company. PROMETA represents an innovative approach to managing dependence on alcohol, cocaine or methamphetamines, as well as combinations of these drugs, that is designed to address the physiological, nutritional and psychosocial aspects of these multi-factorial diseases, and is thereby intended to offer patients an opportunity to achieve sustained recovery. Clinical studies are underway to evaluate PROMETA and to confirm reports from pilot programs and physicians using PROMETA in their practices. The PROMETA treatment protocols are comprised of FDA-approved oral and IV medications used off-label and separately administered in a unique dosing algorithm, combined with nutritional supplements as well as psychosocial or other recovery-oriented therapy chosen by the patient in conjunction with their treatment provider. Hythiam does not practice medicine nor manufacture, distribute, or sell any medications and has no relationship with any manufacturers or distributors of medications used in the PROMETA protocols. For further information, please visit www.prometainfo.com.

Source: Business Wire

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