Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 17, 2026

A Protocol for Measuring Cue Reactivity in a Rat Model of Cocaine Use Disorder
Published on: June 18, 2018
Difficulties in emotion regulation and impulse control during cocaine abstinence
H C Fox1, S R Axelrod, P Paliwal
1Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, Substance Abuse Center, Connecticut Mental Health Center, 34 Park Street, New Haven, CT 06519, USA. helen.fox@yale.edu
Rationale:
Prior research has shown that cocaine dependence is associated with dysfunction of brain systems involved in emotions and motivational states.
Objectives:
To examine whether difficulties in emotion regulation are associated with early cocaine abstinence using the recently validated Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS).
Method:
Recently abstinent treatment-seeking cocaine patients (n=60) completed the DERS during their first week of inpatient treatment and at discharge (3-4 weeks later), and scores were compared with community controls (n=50).
Results:
Compared with controls, cocaine-dependent individuals reported difficulties relating to understanding emotions, managing emotions and impulse control in the first week of abstinence. With continued abstinence, cocaine-dependent individuals showed continued difficulties only in impulse control.
Conclusion:
Cocaine-dependent individuals report emotion regulation difficulties, particularly during early abstinence. Additionally, protracted distress-related impulse control problems suggest potential relapse vulnerability.
Related Concept Videos
Drug Abuse and Addiction: Pharmacological Phenomena
Self-Regulation
Drug Dependence
CNS Depressants: Alcohol and Nicotine
CNS Stimulants: Cocaine, Amphetamines and Cannabinoids
Substance Use Disorders Affecting Sleep
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...

