Television can do more than we think. Apparently, just watching
a five minute video can help whitewash memories of past drug use
in former heroin addicts.A new study shows that it can ease
their cravings. This happens because these videos weakens the
mental ties between drug related paraphernalia and the desire to
use. This method may be a very strong way to help people
struggling with addiction. This method seems to cripple the
connection between using a drug and cues that remind someone of
using. Researchers decided to first test this idea on animals
such as rats. Next, they moved on to people who were dealing
with heroin addiction in China. This study involved 66 people
going under a two-step process. First, they watched a video of a
natural scene or of people using heroin. The heroin scene was a
quick reminder for the addicts. Each time they remember
something, the drug user becomes fragile and vulnerable.
Participants spend about an hour more watching drug related
movies and slide shows. There were peopl