Neurotransmitter Restoration Therapy (NTR) is a new tool in the treatment of addiction. Drugs, whether prescription drugs (narcotic pain medication such as Percocet, Vicodin, or Oxycontin, or, benzodiazepines such as Ativan, Valium, Xanax, or Klonopin), alcohol, tobacco, or street drugs (methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, marijuana, ecstasy, and others) have something in common: they all over stimulate certain neurotransmitter receptors on the surface of brain cells.  This is how they bring about their effects, but it is also how they cause lasting damage that leads to addiction and the inability to handle the stresses of life normally.

NTR consists of an intravenous solution of amino acids (the building blocks that make up all the proteins in our bodies) which actually rebuild the neurotransmitter receptor site damage.  The brain can then function again much more normally, cravings disappear, stress levels become much more normal, and clarity of mind is restored.

Patients experience some withdrawal symptoms during NTR, but when compared to “cold turkey” withdrawal, the symptoms are reduced by 70 to 80%.  After three to five days withdrawal symptoms disappear, craving subsides and clarity of thinking is restored.
The effectiveness of NTR depends on the drug(s) used, the genetics of the brain of the patient, and how long the patient has been addicted.  In general, more than 80% of patients will achieve long-term abstinence, with the previous cravings significantly reduced or eliminated completely.  This is especially true with alcohol, methamphetamine, narcotics, and cocaine.  Tobacco and benzodiazepines can be more difficult.

Most addiction treatment programs detox the patient from the drug, but have not method to quickly repair the neurotransmitter receptor site damage, so the craving continues and repeat drug use is likely.

NTR has also shown to be beneficial in significantly reducing gambling addictions and other abnormal behavioral and/or personality issues. 

NTR was first developed by Dr. William Hitt in the mid 1980s after a lifetime of research involving amino acids. Dr. Hitt's research using the NTR protocol showed a recovery rate three years after treatment of over eighty percent. The ultimate effectiveness of this program and a patient's complete recovery from addiction depends upon several factors including the substances used, genetics, how long the patient has been addicted and, of course, the patient's sincere desire to discontinue substance abuse. Most patients will achieve long-term abstinence, with previous cravings significantly reduced or eliminated completely.

Patients at MindBody Medicine Center also undergo comprehensive evaluation for other medical issues that compromise health and mental function.  Prior to NTR each patient is evaluated for chronic digestive issues, adrenal and thyroid status, hormone balance and other common medical issues. 

They also receive a comprehensive evaluation of psychological patterns arising from childhood that create stress and the need for the “instant mood changes” of drugs.  For long term abstinence, patients need to create self-understanding, learn how to express emotions responsibly, and restore peace, balance and purpose in their lives.

Frequently asked questions:

How long does the treatment take?

NTR is usually 10 consecutive days of intravenous amino acids.  Sometimes it takes longer, especially with benzodiazepine withdrawal, often going for 12 to 16 days total.

The IV for each day can vary from 4 to 8 hours.  It usually takes longer in the first few days due to withdrawal symptoms and the need to slow the IV.  After the first few days, it usually takes fewer hours each day.

How long will the effect of NTR last?

A person who has become addicted will always have greater susceptibility to future addiction than the average person.  Therefore, after normal balance is restored to the brain, it is absolutely necessary for the patient to avoid the addicting substance(s) in the future.  In fact, the safe course for patients after treatment is to avoid all substances with potential for addiction including tobacco, alcohol, and addictive illegal or prescription drugs , as well as to avoid extremes in all aspects of life.  The use of addictive substances again opens the door for the patient to return to the same addicted state as before. 

With the cravings diminished and by staying away from any potentially addictive substances, the large majority of patients enjoy freedom from cravings and clarity of mind that is permanent.  A few patients will require a one- or two-day follow-up treatment, at some point after the ten-day treatment, before this lasting state is achieved.

Do patients experience withdrawal?

Withdrawal occurs because the brain becomes accustomed to the artificial neurotransmitter support provided by drugs.  When stopped suddenly, there is a huge deficit in expected neurotransmitter receptor stimulation, and the body cannot repair the problem nearly fast enough on its own.  The patient experiences this deficit as withdrawal.  As soon as NTR starts, the amino acids are incorporated into the nerve junctions (called synapses) and neurotransmission steadily normalizes with the passing of each hour.  This action minimizes withdrawal symptoms to a level generally far below what one would experience with mere discontinuation of the drug.  The withdrawal symptoms patients do have are usually resolved by the third or fourth day of treatment.

What is the cost of the NTR treatment program?

There is no charge for the initial confidential consultation with the doctor. The total cost of the NTR treatment program depends upon the type and length of the patient's addiction. The cost and effectiveness of the NTR treatment program compares very favorably with most other addiction treatment programs that often cost much more and are usually much less effective. 
We accept checks and credit cards.

Insurance may cover some charges such as office visits and lab work and we will assist you in filing for insurance reimbursement.