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Updated: Jun 21, 2026

A Protocol for Measuring Cue Reactivity in a Rat Model of Cocaine Use Disorder
Published on: June 18, 2018
[Cocaine: from recreational use to dependence]
Laurent Karila1, François Beck, Stéphane Legleye
1Centre d'enseignement, de recherche et de traitement des addictions, hôpital universitaire Paul-Brousse, AP-HP, CEA-Inserm U797, université Paris-XI, 94804 Villejuif Cedex. laurent.karila@pbr.aphp.fr
Cocaine is a widely abused stimulant globally, particularly in France. Its dependence involves euphoria, withdrawal, craving, and risky behaviors, forming a cycle of addiction.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Psychiatry
- Public Health
Context:
- Cocaine is a prevalent stimulant drug globally and a significant issue in France.
- Understanding cocaine abuse requires examining various user classes and administration routes (intranasal, intravenous, inhalation).
Purpose:
- To synthesize current knowledge on cocaine dependence, its characteristics, and the addictive cycle.
- To identify key clinical phenomena driving compulsive cocaine use.
Summary:
- Cocaine dependence is a complex, heritable disorder with diverse clinical presentations.
- The addiction cycle includes cocaine-induced euphoria, withdrawal symptoms, craving triggered by cues, impaired decision-making, and risk-taking behaviors associated with seeking and using the drug.
Impact:
- Provides a comprehensive overview of cocaine dependence for researchers and clinicians.
- Highlights the multifactorial nature of addiction, informing prevention and treatment strategies.
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