Having a beer or a glass of wine is not a big deal to many people, but to more than 17 million people in the U.S., having just one is nearly impossible. According to the National Council of Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, alcohol is the most commonly-used addictive substance in the States, with one in every 12 adults suffering from abuse or dependence, not to mention millions more that are binge drinkers at risk of future dependence problems. Alcohol abuse damages virtually every part of the body, including causing irreversible liver scarring (cirrhosis), heart conditions and limiting cognitive function. 88,000 deaths each year are attributed to excessive alcohol use, making alcoholism the third leading lifestyle-related cause of death in the nation.
Health problems are only part of the equation, as the social impact can be devastating with many addicts losing their job, putting themselves in poor financial positions, ruining relationships with family and friends and making other poor decisions that can affect others, such as drinking and driving.
Quitting drinking can be painfully difficult, literally, as it often is accompanied by severe withdrawal symptoms, both mental and physical. There are pharmaceuticals and counseling options to certainly help, but any alcoholic will tell you how hard it can be. The addiction and rehabilitation experts at Los Angeles-based BioCorRx, Inc. (OTCQB:BICX) have taken a different, comprehensive approach to traditional therapies to help alcoholics walk away from the bottle and get their life back on track.
The company’s Start Fresh Program® consists of two components. The first component of the program consists of an outpatient implant procedure where a physician implants a dissolvable, extended release version of the opioid antagonist naltrexone into the lower quadrant of the abdomen to reduce physical cravings for alcohol and opioids. The second component takes a psychological approach through a one-on-one coaching program specifically tailored for the treatment of alcoholism and other substance abuse addictions. Clinic reports show that the treatment program can be successful for individuals who complete the program.
BioCorRx’s program has garnered national acclaim, including a feature on the popular show "The Doctors" last year, and is gaining some traction in clinic adoption. The company reported a 402% increase in patients being treated in the Start Fresh Program from 2013 to 2014 and a growing number of clinics. At the end of the first quarter of 2014, only five clinics used the Start Fresh Program, with that number growing to 10 by the end of the year.
Thursday morning, BioCorRx said that a recently executed supply and distribution agreement with Corona Physical Medicine has resulted in the Start Fresh program soon to be offered at one of its holistic wellness center in Corona, California. The relationship with CPM is part of a broader pact with Myriad Medical Marketing to begin a pilot program introducing the Start Fresh Program at five existing wellness centers. If the pilot is successful, Myriad will start introducing the program at other locations across the U.S.
"We believe that the implementation of the program into an existing wellness center with an established patient base will help spread program awareness and help those battling addiction in the Inland Empire area of Southern California," stated BioCorRx COO & interim CEO, Brady Granier.
Shares of BioCorRx have recently rebounded from a 52-week low at four cents in February. In early Thursday action, the stock is ahead by 4.6% at eight cents on minimal volume.
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