Prometa

Prometa is a controversial treatment protocol used primarily for methamphetamine addiction, although it has also been claimed to be effective for dependence on alcohol or cocaine. It is now being labeled as GABASYNC. The treatment, based loosely on the research of Spanish psychologist Juan Jose Legarda, involves a combination of three medications as well as therapy. The medications are each individually approved by the FDA, however none of which have been approved for addiction treatment by the FDA <Prometa Founder's Spotty Background Explored, November 3, 2006, http://www.drugfree.org/join-together/prometa-founders-spotty-background-explored/> further the combination has not received any FDA approval. The medications are Gabapentin, Flumazenil and hydroxyzine, used off label. Prometa was developed by Terren Peizer a former junk bond trader <Prescription For Addiction , 60 Minutes' Scott Pelley Reports On A New Addiction Treatment, Dec. 07, 2007, http://www.cbsnews.com/news/prescription-for-addiction/> the company nameHythiam, Inc., which has sought to patent the protocol and charges up to $15,000 per patient to license its use. Lower rates are offered to the criminal justice system, where it has been used in several drug court pilot programs.