Date: Sat, 20 Nov 2004 19:32:58 -0500 (EST) From: FUNKYGAL25@aol.com Subject: Letter from Richard Brown M.D. to Drask Nikodijevic regarding AOL course To: drak@whiterabbitresources.org Delivered-to: drak@whiterabbitresources.org X-Virus-Scanned: Symantec AntiVirus Scan Engine Original-recipient: rfc822;drakula@nyc.rr.com November 19, 2004 Drasko Nikodijevic, Executive Director White Rabbit Resources, Inc. Dear Mr. Nikodijevic: I am writing regarding our experience using the art of living course to help patients with substance abuse recover and rehabilitate themselves. As a psychiatrist in New York City and in Upstate NY with 25 years of clinical experience, I have found the art of living course to be an invaluable resource in the treatment of patients with many kinds of problems. People with substance abuse issues, including colleagues, have done this course either through my referral or in the courses I teach with great benefit. The course not only helps reduce stress and tension but reduces cravings. There is scientific data to support its use. It has the effect of reducing the stress response system. In addition, it increases the activity of the parasympathetic nervous system. The preliminary evidence suggests that it stimulates dopamine reward systems in the forebrain but in a healthier way than chemical substances. There is one study done in India using it to treat depression, anxiety, and symptoms of stress in patients who have been detoxed from alcohol. We hope controlled studies will be done in the United States in the next few years. In the meantime this is an amazing clinical resource. The work you are doing is extremely important and will be much more widely recognized in the next few years. Continue the great work. Sincerely, Richard P. Brown, M.D. Associate Professor of Clinical Psychiatry Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons