Cocaine Addiction
Articles tagged with Cocaine Addiction
Severe burns present growing threat in overdose epidemic
Researchers analyzed Oregon Medicaid case data and found that severe burns requiring hospital-level care are a growing threat in the overdose epidemic. People who smoke drugs like fentanyl and methamphetamine account for most of these cases, with butane torches posing a significant risk due to locking mechanisms.
GLP-1 medications get at the heart of addiction: study
Researchers found that GLP-1 medications are effective at reducing the risk of developing substance use disorders across all major addictive substances, including a 14% reduced risk for developing any substance use disorder. The study also showed significant reductions in severe harm, including overdose and death, among patients with p...
University of Houston expands addiction research with $2.67M gift to help combat national opioid epidemic
A $2.67 million gift from the estate of Dr. William A. Gibson will establish the Michael Conner Gibson Endowed Professorship in Psychology and the Michael Conner Gibson Research Endowment, accelerating UH's addiction research program.
Study finds take-home methadone at hospital discharge can be a critical turning point in opioid recovery
A new study found that nearly half of patients discharged with take-home methadone successfully connected to treatment within 72 hours. The likelihood of successful follow-up increased if patients were already enrolled in an OTP or received higher methadone doses.
New research uncovers how the brain’s immune system drives drug relapse and a potential new way to stop it
A study at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill found that brain immune cells, called microglia, drive drug craving by stripping away support structures in astrocytes. Blocking this process reduces relapse behaviors and may help reduce risk of relapse in people recovering from addiction.
This tiny brain network could hold the key to beating cocaine addiction
A specific 'anti-reward' brain circuit becomes hyperactive during cocaine withdrawal, driving discomfort and pushing users back toward the drug. However, this circuit may also serve as a protective mechanism, potentially helping to develop new therapies targeting emotional pain of withdrawal.
Reelin marks cocaine-activated brain neurons and regulates cocaine reward
Researchers identified reelin as a marker for cocaine-activated medium spiny neurons in the nucleus accumbens, which controls drug-related behavior. Knocking down reelin expression impaired excitability of these neurons and abolished cocaine-induced behavioral changes.
WVU student discovers long-awaited mystery fungus sought by LSD’s inventor
A WVU microbiology student has discovered a new species of fungus, Periglandula clandestina, that produces effects similar to the semisynthetic drug LSD. The fungus is highly efficient at making ergot alkaloids, which can be used therapeutically to treat conditions like depression and addiction.
Investigating cocaine addiction using fruit flies
A new study uses a fruit fly model to investigate the genetic basis of cocaine addiction. By genetically modifying bitter-sensing receptors in fruit flies, researchers found that these flies developed a preference for cocaine over sugar. This study suggests that genes involved in human cocaine addiction may also be active in fruit flies.
Fruit flies on cocaine could reveal better therapies for addiction
Researchers created genetically modified fruit flies that become addicted to cocaine, revealing a potential model for understanding and treating cocaine use disorder. The study's findings suggest that the key to preventing cocaine addiction lies in the flies' ability to detect bitter flavors, which can be mimicked in humans.
Novel brain study increases understanding of what triggers drug use relapse
A novel brain study uncovers the critical role of the HDAC5 enzyme in regulating gene expression and neuronal activity, which can trigger relapse in individuals with substance use disorders. The study highlights a new molecular target for developing novel treatments to reduce relapse risk.
Long-term cocaine use may increase impulsivity
A study found that long-term cocaine use increases impulsivity in healthy rats, contradicting the belief that high impulsivity predicts cocaine use. This contradicts research on impulsive choice and delay-discounting tasks.
A new path to recovery: Scientists uncover key brain circuit in the fight against cocaine use disorder
Researchers at Penn Nursing have discovered a critical brain circuit that regulates cocaine-seeking behavior, which they believe can be targeted by developing new GLP-1-based treatments. By understanding how this circuit functions, scientists may develop innovative therapies to treat cocaine use disorder.
Rats on cocaine: When aversion is not enough
A new study found that rats' responses to cocaine paired with aversive quinine reveal individual susceptibility to addiction. The research suggests that people's reactions to the unpleasant aspects of drug consumption can play a crucial role in determining their risk of developing substance use disorders.
Dr. Nora Volkow shares insights on addiction science and harm reduction in Genomic Press interview
Dr. Volkow emphasizes the importance of prevention strategies and research on stress, trauma, and social determinants in substance use disorders. She also highlights promising new directions in treatment, including GLP1 medications, to address the treatment gap in addiction.
UC Irvine-led team finds that compound in rosemary extract can reduce cocaine sensitivity
Researchers at UC Irvine discovered a rosemary extract compound that can reduce cocaine sensitivity by modulating the brain's reward response. The study found that carnosic acid selectively binds to affected channels in the globus pallidus externus, providing a potential avenue for reducing response to cocaine.
Investigating a critical factor for promoting drug-context associations and relapse
Researchers at Medical University of South Carolina found that cocaine triggers a specific protein, NPAS4, which hijacks brain circuitry and promotes further drug use. Inhibiting these cells eliminates drug-seeking behavior in mice.
Cocaine discovery could pave way for treatment for substance abuse
Researchers discovered how cocaine affects the dopamine transporter, a protein that regulates dopamine levels in the brain. This knowledge could pave the way for medical treatments for cocaine abuse and potentially other addictive substances.
A common pathway in the brain that enables addictive drugs to hijack natural reward processing has been identified by Mount Sinai
Researchers have uncovered a mechanism in the brain that allows cocaine and morphine to take over natural reward processing systems. A largely overlapping population of cells respond to both addictive drugs and natural rewards, leading to behavior directed toward drug-seeking and away from natural rewards.
Dopamine production is not behind vulnerability to cocaine abuse
A UNIGE team found that impulsivity, not dopamine production, predicts cocaine abuse. The study suggests alternative mechanisms controlling dopamine release may drive individual vulnerability to drugs.
Research shows continued cocaine use disrupts communication between major brain networks
A study by researchers at UNC School of Medicine found that chronic cocaine use alters the functional networks in the brain, including the default mode network and salience network. This disruption can make it harder for individuals to focus, control impulses, or feel motivated without the drug.
Pitt receives new grant to improve opioid use disorder treatment
The University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy's PERU has received a $7.8 million grant to develop and implement measurement-based care into community opioid treatment programs across Pennsylvania. This project aims to improve treatment access, promote recovery, and reduce fatal overdoses by addressing patient needs through personaliz...
Psychology research: Women more sensitive to cocaine
A recent study by researchers at the University of Texas at Arlington found that women are more susceptible to cocaine addiction than men due to fluctuations in sex hormones. The study discovered that the female sex hormone estradiol enhances the rewarding effects of cocaine, leading to increased sensitivity among females.
University of Cincinnati cocaine research disrupts traditional theory
New research at UC disrupts conventional wisdom that people take cocaine for positive reinforcement, suggesting a pharmacological equation behind the behavior. The study suggests low doses produce reinforcing effects, while high doses have rate-limiting effects, revealing a shift in understanding of cocaine self-administration.
Amid cocaine addiction, the brain struggles to evaluate which behaviors will be rewarding
Researchers found that chronic cocaine users have altered neural error signals when evaluating rewards, leading to poorer decision-making and a higher risk of relapse. The study provides strong evidence for the underlying mechanisms of addiction and may lead to new treatment strategies.
Cellular atlas of amygdala reveals new treatment target for cocaine addiction
Researchers created a unique, cell-by-cell atlas of the amygdala to identify potential new treatments for cocaine addiction. The study revealed connections between addiction behaviors and genes involved in energy metabolism, offering a brand-new way of thinking about the molecular biology of cocaine addiction.
Overdose deaths from fentanyl laced stimulants have risen 50-fold since 2010
US overdose deaths involving fentanyl and stimulants increased 50-fold from 2010 to 2021, with stimulants becoming most common drug class found in fentanyl-involved overdoses. The trend disproportionately affects racial/ethnic minority communities, particularly Black and African American people.
Adapting Ritalin® to tackle cocaine abuse
Researchers have developed a new method to adapt Ritalin to tackle cocaine abuse, overcoming a chemical hurdle that previously limited the potential of methylphenidate derivatives. This breakthrough could lead to more effective treatment options for cocaine addiction.
Substance use linked to long-lasting brain changes, cognitive decline
Researchers at Texas A&M University found that substance use impairs cognitive flexibility by inhibiting specific neurons. Chronic cocaine or alcohol use alters the local inhibitory brain circuit, leading to decreased cognitive flexibility and increased risk of academic deficits and lower quality of life.
Race- and gender-specific interventions may lower drug overdose death rates
A study by Penn State researchers found that minority communities bore the brunt of the opioid crisis, with Black men and American Indian/Native Alaskan men and women disproportionately affected. The researchers suggest that race- and gender-specific interventions may be more effective in preventing overdose deaths.
Alcohol harm reduction can also reduce other substance use
A study found that harm reduction treatment reduced substance use, including cannabis and polysubstance use, among people experiencing homelessness. Participants in the treatment group used cannabis 41% fewer days than the control group. The approach led to improved quality of life and basic needs, making it a sustainable option.
Men died of overdose at 2-3 times greater a rate than women in the U.S. in 2020-2021
A new study analyzing death records data found that men had a 2–3 times greater rate of overdose mortality from opioids and psychostimulants. The researchers noted that biological, behavioral, and social factors likely combined to increase the mortality risk for men.
Addiction scientists seek to better understand cocaine use disorder: ‘Stimulants are coming back’
Cocaine use disorder has been rising for over a decade, with no robust treatment available. Researchers are using cocaine contingency management to provide cash or value in exchange for drug-free urine samples, aiming to change an individual's temporal horizon and reduce consumption. The study aims to guide innovative interventions tha...
Environmental context strongly influences drug dependence, study shows
Researchers found that environmental context influences drug dependence by associating psychostimulant effects with specific environments. The study observed behavioral sensitization and brain activation patterns in mice with cocaine dependence, mirroring human cravings for a specific environment or location.
Millions with opioid addiction don't receive residential treatment
A new Northwestern Medicine study found that only 7% of Medicaid enrollees with opioid use disorder (OUD) received residential treatment, highlighting a significant gap in care. Residential treatment centers provide structured support and are considered one of the best treatments for severe substance use.
Cocaine addiction makes the brain age faster, suggests study
Researchers have discovered that cocaine addiction is associated with faster brain aging, with changes in DNA methylation in the prefrontal cortex contributing to this effect. The study, which analyzed cryo-preserved brains of deceased male donors, found that cells in this region appeared biologically older in individuals with CUD.
Cocaine use disorder alters gene networks of neuroinflammation and neurotransmission in humans
Research found that cocaine use disorder causes significant gene expression changes in brain regions associated with reward and habit formation, contributing to persistent behavioral abnormalities. The study also identified overlapping molecular changes between cocaine and opioid use disorders, offering potential for targeted treatments.
National hotline provides effective virtual supervision for substance users
A new hotline has shown promising results in preventing overdoses and saving lives by providing virtual supervision for people using substances alone. The National Overdose Response Service received over 2,100 calls from unique callers, with no reported deaths during a pilot period.
Sleeping medications used for insomnia may combat drug and alcohol addiction
Researchers believe that changes in the brain's orexin system promote drug-seeking behavior and that existing insomnia treatments could reduce or eliminate cravings. Studies have shown that blocking this system reverses addiction in animals and reduces opioid cravings in human subjects.
How gut bacteria influence the effects of cocaine in mice
Research reveals that common gut bacteria enhance cocaine effects in mice by consuming glycine, leading to behavior abnormalities. Supplementing glycine or using a genetically modified bacteria reduces response to cocaine, demonstrating its role as an addiction mediator.
Human cocaine and heroin addiction is found tied to impairments in specific brain circuit initially implicated in animals
A study found impairments in the prefrontal cortex-habenula circuit, critical for regulating executive functions and reward, in people with cocaine or heroin addiction. The circuit's microstructural features were analyzed using diffusion MRI tractography, revealing reduced coherence in white matter fibers.
Low addiction risk with medical use of ketamine
A recent study from the University of Geneva suggests that ketamine's therapeutic use may be safe due to its limited impact on dopamine levels and neuronal communication. The research found that ketamine triggers a short increase in dopamine, but also inhibits a specific receptor that prevents addiction progression.
Coming wave of opioid overdoses ‘will be worse than it’s ever been before’
A new study by Northwestern University predicts a worsening wave of opioid overdoses globally, with no geographic distinction between rural and urban areas. The lethal combination of synthetic opioids and stimulants like cocaine and methamphetamines will be particularly deadly.
NIH scientists identify new brain mechanism involved in impulsive cocaine-seeking in rats
Researchers discovered that blocking certain acetylcholine receptors in the lateral habenula balances reward and aversion, making it harder to resist seeking cocaine. This finding identifies a new role for these receptors as a potential target for treating cocaine use disorder.
Molecular ‘connector’ helps cocaine latch on to brain cells, even when drug is in low doses
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine discovered a molecular connector, BASP1, that helps cocaine latch on to brain cells, even at low doses. This finding may explain why women are more susceptible to cocaine addiction and could lead to new treatments.
Dopamine makes you feel happy. But we probably have to be rewrite the textbooks
A study published in Nature Communications sheds light on dopamine transporter (DAT) function, which regulates brain reward centre communication. The researchers discovered DAT depends on potassium, not just sodium, rewriting textbooks on its mechanism.
Tackling an epidemic
The opioid crisis in the US has reached epidemic levels, with over 100,000 drug overdose deaths reported for the first time. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention attributes the rise to abuse of synthetic opioid fentanyl and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Addiction medicine consults help patients with substance use disorder live longer
Researchers found that exposure to addiction medicine consult teams led to a significantly reduced risk of death within three months of discharge. Medication played a key role in reducing mortality for patients with opioid use disorders, while other components may be crucial for those with alcohol use disorder.
Changes in the brain hinder addiction recovery in people who are HIV-positive
Research reveals that HIV-positive individuals with cocaine addiction struggle to withhold behavioral responses due to distinct brain activity patterns. This finding highlights the need for targeted interventions to address dual diagnosis in recovery programs.
Withdrawal from psychostimulants restructures functional architecture of brain
Researchers found that methamphetamine, cocaine, and nicotine withdrawal share similar features in mouse brains, including reduced modularity and increased functional connectivity. This reorganization may contribute to the addictive nature of psychostimulants.
Drug withdrawal morphs brain communication networks in mice
Research in mice reveals that drug withdrawal alters brain activity patterns, causing increased functional connectivity and decreased modularity. This universal effect may be a common trait among different types of addictive drugs.
How serotonin curbs cocaine addiction
Researchers discovered serotonin helps regulate dopamine levels, reducing addiction rates to 20% in humans. The study used mice self-administering cocaine and adding unpleasant stimuli, revealing serotonin's crucial role in curbing addiction.
Two novel biobanks offer investigatory targets for cocaine and oxycodone addiction
Researchers have created two unique collections of over 20,000 biological samples from laboratory rats to study the biological bases and consequences of cocaine and oxycodone addiction. The biobanks provide deeper insight into the paths and pathologies of these addictions.
A brain signature that predicts vulnerability to addiction
A team of neurobiologists identified a brain region, subthalamic nucleus, that predicts addiction in rats. Abnormal activity in this region was observed in future addicted individuals before punishment exposure.
Trying to beat a coke habit with cannabis? Not so fast !
A study by Université de Montréal psychiatry professor Didier Jutras-Aswad and his team found that cannabidiol is not an effective treatment for cocaine use disorder. The 78-participant clinical trial showed no reduction in craving or relapse risk with cannabidiol, contrary to its growing popularity as a potential addiction treatment.
Cocaine addiction: Impact of genetic mutations elucidated
Research reveals two gene mutations in nicotinic receptors may confer 'protection' against cocaine addiction by modulating an early phase in the addiction cycle. The mutations reduce voluntary intake of cocaine and slow transition from first use to signs of addiction.
Less addictive form of buprenorphine may help curb cocaine relapse
A new study suggests that a modified form of the opioid medication buprenorphine, known as BU10119, may help curb cocaine relapse with improved effectiveness and lower abuse potential. The research was conducted using mouse models and found modest improvements in preventing cocaine relapse while minimizing addiction risk.
New study could lead to therapeutic interventions to treat cocaine addiction
Researchers at the University of California, Irvine have discovered a key receptor for dopamine called D2R that intervenes in cocaine's modifying functions in the striatum. Disrupting D2R signaling may lead to new therapeutic strategies for treating cocaine addiction.
Study contests use of smoked cannabis in treatment of cocaine addiction
Researchers found that smoked cannabis use impaired executive functions and increased the likelihood of relapse among cocaine addicts. The study suggests that harm reduction strategies using cannabis may not be effective in treating cocaine addiction.