Articles tagged with Cocaine Addiction
A team of researchers at the Medical University of South Carolina has identified a critical brain circuit involved in cocaine-seeking behavior during relapse. Targeting neurons in this circuit could offer a new approach to treating cocaine addiction.
Research reveals that a single dose of cocaine can irreversibly alter brain circuits surrounding neurons associated with addiction. This discovery may lead to the development of medications targeting the extracellular matrix to reverse addiction.
Researchers at the University of Chicago Medical Center have developed a novel gene therapy approach that protects mice from lethal cocaine doses and reduces drug-seeking behavior. The therapy involves modifying skin grafts to quickly degrade cocaine and has shown promise in preventing addiction and overdose.
A study in rats found that increased orexin neurons contribute to cocaine addiction and that restoring these neurons or blocking their signaling can reverse addiction. The findings suggest a promising avenue for treating addiction with orexin-based therapies.
The Stanford model analyzes opioid use and addiction among Americans, projecting a decline in deaths if doctors reduce prescriptions by 25% over 10 years while expanding treatment programs. The researchers aimed to provide policymakers with 'what-if' scenarios to address the crisis.
A new class of proteins called E3 ubiquitin ligases has been shown to reduce drug-seeking behaviors in a preclinical study. Smurf1, one of these proteins, is targeted to prevent cocaine addiction relapse.
Regular aerobic exercise decreases stress-induced cocaine-seeking behavior and alters physiological responses to stress. Exercise also elevates mood and reduces anxiety associated with withdrawal.
Researchers at MUSC found that BDNF application to nucleus accumbens reduces cocaine-seeking behavior and reverses relapse. The study suggests BDNF has a fine-tuned effect on addiction, with timing-dependent impacts.
Researchers found that mice lacking the Maged1 gene are unresponsive to cocaine and show diminished dopamine release, highlighting its role in addictive behavior. The study provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying drug addiction.
A study published in Biological Psychiatry reveals that cocaine self-administration changes gene expression in the brains of mice. Transcriptome-wide alterations indicate a significant impact on brain reward circuits.
A preclinical study in rats found that Cannabidiol (CBD) can reduce the risk of relapse among recovering drug and alcohol addicts. CBD effectively reduced anxiety, impulsivity, and stress-induced relapse in rats.
Researchers identified G-CSF as a key player in the development of cocaine addiction, altering mice's desire for the drug but not other rewards. Manipulating G-CSF in the brain's reward center could reduce addiction-like behaviors, paving the way for new treatments.
Scientists at the University of Maryland School of Medicine have discovered a significant link between mitochondrial changes and cocaine addiction. By blocking these changes, researchers were able to reduce cocaine-induced behavior in mice.
A new study found that prior alcohol exposure enhances cocaine-seeking behavior in rats, promoting degradation of HDAC4 and HDAC5 proteins. This breakdown creates a permissive environment for cocaine-induced gene expression, increasing vulnerability to compulsive use.
Researchers at UTHealth will investigate how genetic profiles interact with stressors like trauma exposure and HIV infection in cocaine addiction. The five-year study aims to develop more tailored treatments for this chronic public health problem.
Researchers have developed a novel method to treat addiction using optogenetically-inspired deep-brain stimulation, which could provide continued benefits and improve on existing treatments. The method targets brain circuits responsible for addiction and shows promise in animal models.
Rats without a certain glutamate receptor are less likely to seek out cocaine when it's difficult to obtain, but more likely to consume it when it's freely available. This suggests that the receptor plays a role in modulating reward-seeking behavior associated with drug addiction.
Long-term opioid substitution therapy reduces heroin and cocaine consumption among patients with heroin addiction. However, frequent alcohol consumption among these patients has increased, posing a significant health risk due to liver infections like hepatitis B and C.
A new human monoclonal antibody has been developed to prevent cocaine from entering the brain, reducing its behavioral effects. The antibody is designed for individuals highly motivated to overcome addiction and can be given in doses that remain effective for at least 30 days.
A new study found that cocaine addiction disrupts iron regulation in the body, leading to a build-up of iron in the brain. This accumulation is directly linked to the duration of cocaine use and may be accompanied by mild iron deficiency elsewhere in the body.
Researchers discovered how a protein called WAVE1 regulates brain response to cocaine, providing fundamental insights into the brain's inner workings. The study suggests new potential treatments for cocaine addiction and highlights the importance of understanding dopamine signaling.
Researchers at the University of British Columbia genetically engineered mice with higher levels of cadherin to resist cocaine addiction. The study found that extra cadherin prevents synapses from strengthening and forms pleasurable memories, thereby preventing addiction.
A study published in The EMBO Journal found that cocaine-induced place preference in mice is independent of lasting NAc neuronal rewiring. Silent synapse formation and unsilencing during withdrawal are essential for many addictive behaviors but not for this specific behavior.
A new clinical trial at UTHealth aims to develop more effective treatment strategies tailored to individual responses for patients overcoming cocaine addiction. The study combines motivational incentives with mindfulness skills training to boost abstinence rates and improve patient outcomes.
Researchers at Cardiff University have discovered a new drug treatment that inhibits memories responsible for cocaine cravings, significantly accelerating the end of drug-seeking behavior. The therapy, currently used in cancer trials, targets the brain's limbic system and could potentially speed up clinical development.
A TSRI study found that a compound blocking the activity of brain-cell receptors can reverse signs of cocaine dependency in rodents, supporting a new therapeutic strategy against addiction. The treatment reduced behavioral measures of cocaine use and dependency, accompanied by normal TrkB signaling activity.
A new study by TSRI and NIH scientists found that hypocretin levels may contribute to cocaine addiction. Blocking hypocretin activity reduced compulsive drug-seeking behavior in rat models. The research suggests a potential role for the hypocretin system as a pharmacological target for treating cocaine addiction.
Researchers at UTA are studying how estrogen levels impact females' sensitivity to cocaine's rewarding effects and their risk of addiction. They found that estrogen activates messenger pathways in the dopamine reward system, making drugs more or less rewarding.
A study using animal model reveals that cocaine leaves a long-lasting imprint on dopamine system, contributing to relapse episodes in addicts. Re-exposure to the drug after a short abstinence period fully reinstates tolerance and binge-like behavior.
People with cocaine addiction develop habits that render their behaviour resistant to change, suggesting punitive approaches are ineffective. Interventions building on habit formation may be more effective in treating cocaine addiction.
A new rat study reveals genetic differences in the brain's pleasure receptor and epigenetic tags that affect cocaine addiction and relapse. The findings suggest inherited traits and epigenetics play a role in addiction vulnerability, with some rats more likely to seek out cocaine repeatedly due to genetic markers.
Researchers have discovered a unique application for an FDA-approved drug in treating cocaine dependence. The drug, Byetta, regulates feeding behavior and reduces cocaine self-administration when activated in the brain's reward region. Further studies aim to understand the brain's pathways involved in addiction.
A new study by the University of Cambridge reveals a previously unknown pathway in the brain that links impulse with habits, making it harder to control cocaine addiction. A second study suggests that a drug used to treat paracetamol overdose may help individuals overcome their addiction if they want to quit.
A pilot study suggests that targeted magnetic pulses to the brain can significantly reduce craving and substance use in cocaine-addicted patients. The treatment, known as rTMS, showed promising results in helping patients maintain abstinence from cocaine.
Researchers found that a single dose of cocaine interferes with recognizing negative emotions, such as sadness and anger. The study's lead author suggests this may explain why cocaine users report higher levels of sociability when intoxicated.
A study by Johns Hopkins School of Medicine found that stopping or reducing cocaine use is associated with lower levels of endothelin-1, a protein linked to coronary artery disease. Patients who stopped using cocaine had significantly reduced ET-1 levels and a lower likelihood of coronary plaque progression.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin used an FDA-approved antihypertensive drug to erase memories associated with cocaine and alcohol addiction in rats. The treatment reversed rewired brain circuits involved in reward learning, suggesting a potential breakthrough in preventing relapses.
The study reveals how addictive drugs interfere with dopamine signaling, leading to addiction. New treatments may be developed to block interference with dopamine transporters.
A new study finds that people with cocaine addiction display altered patterns of brain activity and communication between regions, particularly in the left caudate. This impairment may lead to increased impulsivity and relapse rates, making it a key target for medication development.
Research at The Mount Sinai Hospital found that cocaine users have impaired brain circuits for predicting emotional loss, making it difficult to learn from unfavorable outcomes. This impairment may underlie disadvantageous decision-making in individuals with substance use disorder.
Researchers found that caffeine can block cocaine's direct effects on the estrus cycle, potentially treating cocaine addiction. The study suggests a new approach to addressing sex differences in cocaine addiction.
A study has identified a potential treatment target for cocaine addiction by revealing that altering a specific receptor protein can reduce cocaine seeking in animal models. Increasing the expression of an enzyme within the GluA2 subunits of AMPA receptors decreased cocaine seeking in animals allowed to self-administer the drug.
Research finds people can become addicted to eating for pleasure, but not to specific food substances. The focus should shift from foods to individual relationships with eating, according to scientists. More research is needed to redefine eating addiction as a formal diagnosis.
A study published in Neuron found that the brain has an intrinsic anti-addiction response that can be boosted to prevent relapse. This 'anti-relapse' circuitry remodeling is induced by cocaine exposure and decreases craving, offering new neurobiological targets for interventions.
Researchers will study changes in the addicted brain that lead to relapse, with a focus on transforming growth factor-beta signaling. The goal is to identify novel therapies for treating cocaine addiction and other psychostimulants.
Researchers found that impulsivity plays a crucial role in cocaine addiction, with highly impulsive rats taking longer to develop habits. The study identified specific phases of addiction where dopamine receptor blockers may be effective in treating compulsive cocaine use.
The center will investigate mechanisms underlying addiction and discover new treatments, focusing on the serotonin system. It will prioritize individuals with impulsivity traits, which are associated with higher relapse rates.
A novel compound, RO5263397, has been found to severely blunt a range of cocaine addiction behaviors, including relapse behavior, in animal studies. The compound targets TAAR1 receptor and shows promise as a potential lead compound for treating cocaine addiction.
Researchers at Mount Sinai have identified a promising new molecular mechanism for cocaine addiction, implicating the PARP-1 enzyme and Sidekick-1 gene. Chronic cocaine administration increases levels of PARP-1, leading to epigenetic changes that contribute to long-term addiction.
Researchers identified a SNP in Cyfip2 associated with cocaine response, highlighting the need for genetic quality control in mouse populations. The study used C57BL/6J and 6N mice substrains developed over nearly a century.
Gambling addiction is linked to distinct brain function abnormalities that impair decision-making, unlike cocaine addiction which affects areas responsible for impulse control. The study highlights the need for specialized treatment addressing emotional issues and loss evaluation in severe cases.
Researchers have identified N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) as a potential therapeutic alternative for psychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia and depression. NAC has been shown to reduce core symptoms of these conditions by boosting glutathione, reducing inflammation, and enhancing nerve cell growth proteins.
A Johns Hopkins Medicine study sheds light on the mechanism of cocaine addiction, revealing how dopamine, mGluR5, and immediate early genes work together to induce addiction. The findings may lead to new treatments for this strong form of addiction.
A new study found that topiramate reduced alcohol cravings but did not decrease drinking in individuals with cocaine and alcohol dependence. However, those on topiramate were more likely to stay in treatment and abstain from cocaine during the last three weeks of the trial.
Researchers found that a single dose of Ritalin improved brain function in cocaine-addicted individuals, strengthening connections between regions involved in regulating emotions and behaviors. The study suggests potential as an add-on treatment for addiction to cocaine and other stimulants.
Researchers found that blocking kappa opioid receptors in the central amygdala reduced signs of cocaine addiction in rats, suggesting a potential therapeutic approach. The study highlights an alternative to traditional pleasure-seeking circuits and provides hope for new treatments targeting negative motivational factors.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have discovered a molecular mechanism underlying cocaine addiction and identified a promising new anti-addiction drug. The compound, CGP3466B, blocks cravings for cocaine in addicted mice by preventing GAPDH from entering the nucleus to trigger cell death.
A NIH study found that stimulating the brain's prefrontal cortex can reduce compulsive cocaine-seeking behavior. The study, conducted in rats, suggests a promising treatment approach for addiction.
Researchers have discovered that stimulating one part of the brain with laser light can wipe away addictive behavior in rats and turn non-addicted rats into compulsive cocaine seekers. The study suggests a new therapy using transcranial magnetic stimulation could be effective for humans, offering hope for treating cocaine addiction.
A recent study found that drug abuse impairs sexual performance in men, even after years of abstinence. Researchers evaluated four areas of sexual performance and discovered that speedball and cocaine abuse prevailingly affect sexual pleasure, while heroin significantly impairs orgasms.