Researchers explore challenges in cocaine treatment

Addiction Professional, May-June, 2007

A pair of New York researchers will use a $1.6 million National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) grant to explore ways to suppress anxiety and craving in cocaine addicts in the crucial 48-hour period after cessation of use. Alexis C. Thompson, PhD, of the University at Buffalo and Jean DiPirro, PhD, of Buffalo State College will examine the activity of a brain neurotransmitter, neuropeptide Y, to determine whether enhancing the activity of this neurotransmitter can reduce heightened anxiety and craving for cocaine. Their findings may help determine whether a medication can reasonably be identified as a sound treatment for cocaine dependence, according to a statement from the University at Buffalo's Research Institute on Addictions.

The research also will examine efforts to reduce anxiety and craving at one-week and three-week intervals. Thompson and DiPirro also will look at the general role stress plays in both initial and ongoing cocaine use. Craving, anxiety, and depression all are believed to be factors underlying relapse to cocaine use.