At least 30 patients, both veterans and civilians age 18 or older, are needed for the study of a drug that may help people stop using methamphetamine or cut down their use.

Though the field of methamphetamine addiction research is relatively new, methamphetamine addiction is widespread on the Wasatch Front. It remains the most commonly used illegal drug in Utah, and of Utahns who used meth in the past year, 64 percent were women, state officials say.

Addicts "are at the point where it's not a choice anymore," said Chris Stock, principal investigator on the study in Salt Lake City. "So our study is exploratory - it's to find more effective ways of treating people and giving them hope."

Those chosen to participate must commit to five months of involvement. Subjects will take modafinil, a drug FDA-approved for narcolepsy, or a placebo for three months. About one-third of participants will receive the placebo. Therapy related to thinking and behavior will be available. Participants are paid $10 per visit to the medical center.

Sponsored by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the study requires certain physical and psychiatric qualifications. Most of NIDA's methamphetamine trials are taking place west of the Mississippi River because of Western addiction rates.

About 270 patients nationally will participate in the study. Another drug, bupropion, has already shown that it may help with methamphetamine addiction, and a trial to confirm that is planned.

"You want to have an array of medications for a physician to use," said Frank Vocci, the NIDA director of medications development.

jlyon@sltrib.com

To participate in the study, contact study coordinator Suzanne Plum at 582-1565, ext. 4220.