TEAMING UP ON SUBSTANCE ABUSE
PATIENT-CENTERED
As part of efforts to identify new treatments for PTSD and substance abuse, ASDRP has put together several multidisciplinary teams. One such organization, the PASA consortium, facilitates collaboration among universities, government research facilities, veterans affairs agencies and private industry to help focus research on compounds that could be used to treat TBI and PTSD in service members and veterans. (Graphic courtesy of the author)
this drug readily dispensed to individuals suffering from this comorbidity.”
Te second compound the consortium is focusing on is N-acetylcysteine, or NAC, a dietary supplement that builds antiox- idants and is typically found in grocery or health food stores. NAC is also FDA- approved to prescribe for other conditions, such as cystic fibrosis or chronic obstruc- tive pulmonary disease. Mitchell explained that strong evidence from both animal and human models shows that NAC can lessen the severity of symptoms of PTSD and alcohol use disorder.
“NAC has been used for many years, and is safe and inexpensive,” said Mitchell. “Our consortium is now completing a series of studies that more thoroughly assess the conditions under which NAC improves mental health and behavior.”
Tolcapone is the third compound that the consortium is investigating. Typically used to help patients with Parkinson’s disease,
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tolcapone inhibits the degradation of the neurotransmitter dopamine, which allows dopamine to act longer in certain parts of the brain, helping to regulate movement and emotion.
“Recent research shows that administration of tolcapone can help people that strug- gle with impulsivity and alcohol abuse,” said Mitchell. “We hope that additional studies with tolcapone will help us deter- mine the best dose to use to help people who are trying to control their alcohol consumption.”
PROGRESS IN PARTNERSHIPS As well as the partnerships among experts in the research field, CDMRP involves patients, survivors, family members and caretakers in the scientific review process. Tese individuals are selected through a three-step process that includes nomi- nation by an advocacy organization, submitting an application and complet- ing an interview. This integration of
consumers with firsthand experience of a disease, injury or condition provides a depth of knowledge and contributes a human dimension to the research.
Retired U.S. Coast Guard Lt. Tomas Faulkenberry served as a consumer reviewer on the ASADRP programmatic panel for vision setting. Consumer review- ers such as Faulkenberry sit along with scientists on both the programmatic and peer review panels, and have full voting member status. Tese meetings provide an opportunity to harness the consum- er’s personal experience to focus the program’s goals.
He welcomed the opportunity to advo- cate for other service members as part of his transition out of the military. “Te research is fascinating to me. I like to know the pros and cons of a medication, as well as alternatives to medication in treating the common disorders in afflicted service members,” he said. “I found the recent development that not enough
Army AL&T Magazine
January-March 2019
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