Scientists Work on Drugs to Curb Multiple Addictions
Scientists have long believed that all addictions were connected. In the
past few years, laboratory tests have confirmed these theories, putting
researchers closer to finding a single drug that would treat most
addictions.
Researchers have identified brain chemistry that most addictions, from
alcohol and drugs to smoking and binge-eating, have in common. They have
also discovered that several drugs, among them topiramate, which are
prescribed for other illnesses are also effective in treating addiction.
Currently, doctors turn to psychotherapy and "anti-compulsion" drugs to
help addicted individuals curb their cravings. While the measures work
short-term, most patients relapse over time.
Topiramate, which is used to prevent seizures among epileptics, is perhaps
the most promising of the "universal" anti-addiction drugs being studied.
Recent studies with topiramte on patients addicted to alcohol and tobacco
have shown successful results. However, the slight risks of acute glaucoma
and kidney stones may slow widespread use.
Other drugs that scientists are examining include the diet drug
rimonabant, which studies have shown to reduce cravings for nicotine and
alcohol, and the muscle relaxant baclofen, which appears to curb the
desire for alcohol.|||
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Study: Cognitive Deficits Linked to Cocaine Misuse
Scientists have concluded that cocaine misuse is linked to dysfunction in
areas of the brain that are involved in higher thought and
decision-making, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA).
The study, conducted by Dr. Robert Hester of Trinity College in Dublin,
Ireland, and Dr. Hugh Garavan of Trinity College and the Medical College
of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, involved 15 active cocaine users and 15 healthy
individuals who have never used the drug.
For the study, participants completed a task in which they had to view
memory lists of letters for 6 seconds and "rehearse" each list for 8
seconds. The participant then pressed a button when they were presented
with a letter that was not part of the preceding "memorized" list.
During the task, the researchers analyzed the participants' brains using
functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), a noninvasive imaging
technique that illustrates nerve-cell activity during the performance of a
specific task.
The researchers...»»
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