Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 14, 2026
07:51
A Protocol for Measuring Cue Reactivity in a Rat Model of Cocaine Use Disorder
Published on: June 18, 2018
The validity of cocaine dependence subtypes
Henry R Kranzler1, Marsha Wilcox, Roger D Weiss
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT 06030-2103, United States. kranzler@psychiatry.uchc.edu
Addictive Behaviors
|June 22, 2007
Summary
Researchers identified distinct cocaine dependence (CD) subtypes using cluster analysis. Four subtypes showed significant heritability, supporting their use as phenotypes for genetic studies of addiction.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Genetics
- Psychiatric Genetics
- Substance Use Disorders
Background:
- Cocaine dependence (CD) is a complex, heritable disorder with varied presentations.
- Identifying homogeneous subgroups is crucial for understanding genetic influences on CD.
- Previous research suggests genetic factors contribute significantly to CD susceptibility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the concurrent validity of homogeneous cocaine dependence subgroups as phenotypes for genetic analysis.
- To determine if derived CD subtypes are distinct and heritable.
- To assess the utility of these subtypes in genetic linkage studies.
Main Methods:
- Applied data reduction and cluster analysis to measures of cocaine use, effects, and treatment history in 1393 subjects from 660 families.
- Calculated heritability estimates for derived clusters.
- Conducted genome-wide linkage analysis on identified clusters.
Main Results:
- Six distinct clusters of cocaine dependence were identified.
- Four clusters exhibited heritability estimates exceeding 0.3.
- Genome-wide significant linkage results were found for two clusters.
- Clusters differed significantly on independent demographic, substance use, and psychiatric comorbidity measures.
Conclusions:
- The derived homogeneous subgroups of cocaine dependence subjects (subtypes) are valid phenotypes for genetic analysis.
- These findings support the use of cluster-derived subtypes in genetic studies of cocaine dependence.
- Further independent replication is recommended to solidify these findings.
Related Concept Videos
01:15Drug Abuse and Addiction: Pharmacological Phenomena
Drug dependence, abuse, and addiction are complex phenomena that can precipitate various abnormal states. Physical dependence refers to a state of pharmacological adaptation to a drug. This adaptation often results in tolerance—a reduced response to the drug after repeated administrations. When the drug use is abruptly stopped, withdrawal symptoms occur due to the body's need to readjust from the pharmacologically induced imbalance. However, tolerance and withdrawal symptoms do not necessarily...
01:17Drug Dependence
Medications are typically administered to achieve therapeutic effects. Some drugs can modify an individual's mood and perception, frequently resulting in various enjoyable experiences. However, this can result in drug dependency, a condition marked by continuous drug use despite potential negative consequences. Drug dependency primarily falls into two categories: psychological and physical dependence. Psychological dependence occurs when the pleasurable feelings induced by the drug...
01:24Substance Use Disorders Affecting Sleep
Substance use disorders involve a pattern of using drugs more extensively than intended and continuing use despite harmful consequences. This includes legal substances like alcohol and nicotine, as well as illegal drugs. These disorders often involve both physical and psychological dependence, reflecting compulsive use of substances that significantly alter thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, contributing to a major public health issue.
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...
01:24CNS Stimulants: Cocaine, Amphetamines and Cannabinoids
CNS stimulants, such as cocaine, amphetamines, and cannabinoids, have varying structures and mechanisms of action that lead to different therapeutic effects and side effects. Cocaine, with its molecular formula C17H21NO4, is a tropane alkaloid and a tertiary amino compound. It has two chemical forms: the hydrochloride salt and the "freebase." The former is in powder form, while the latter involves removing the hydrochloride salt to create a form that can be smoked. Cocaine exerts its effects by...
01:29Stimulants
Stimulants are substances that enhance neural activity and elevate dopamine levels in the brain, leading to their highly addictive nature. These drugs include cocaine, amphetamines, MDMA, caffeine, and nicotine, each with distinct mechanisms of action and varied health implications.
Cocaine can be administered via snorting, injection, or smoking. It primarily functions by blocking the reuptake of dopamine, resulting in a euphoric high characterized by an intense sensation of happiness and...
Cocaine can be administered via snorting, injection, or smoking. It primarily functions by blocking the reuptake of dopamine, resulting in a euphoric high characterized by an intense sensation of happiness and...
01:27CNS Depressants: Alcohol and Nicotine
Ethanol, a clear colorless alcohol, has been consumed by humans for millennia, but its effects on the body are far from benign. At lower doses, it induces decreased inhibitions and loquaciousness, leading to its social appeal. However, it can cause severe consequences at higher doses, such as coma and respiratory depression, due to its zero-order elimination kinetics. Chronic ethanol abuse wreaks havoc on multiple organ systems, particularly the CNS and the liver. Abrupt cessation of ethanol...