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Updated: May 10, 2026

A Protocol for Measuring Cue Reactivity in a Rat Model of Cocaine Use Disorder
Published on: June 18, 2018
[Cocaine addiction: current data for the clinician]
Laurent Karila1, Rim Zarmdini2, Aymeric Petit3
1Université Paris Sud-11, AP-HP, Hôpital universitaire Paul-Brousse, Centre d'enseignement, de recherche et de traitement des addictions, CEA-Inserm U1000, Villejuif, France.
Cocaine addiction is a growing global health issue with no approved medications. Combining behavioral and pharmacological treatments shows promise for initiating abstinence and preventing relapse.
Area of Science:
- Addiction medicine
- Psychopharmacology
- Public health
Background:
- Cocaine is the second most used illicit drug globally, with increasing use in Europe.
- Cocaine addiction presents significant somatic, psychiatric, socio-economic, and judicial challenges.
- High prevalence of somatic and psychiatric disorders exists among cocaine-dependent individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current landscape of cocaine addiction treatment.
- To highlight promising pharmacological and behavioral therapeutic strategies.
- To emphasize the need for effective interventions for cocaine use disorder.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent controlled clinical and laboratory studies.
- Analysis of epidemiological trends in cocaine use and treatment seeking.
- Examination of the role of pharmacotherapy and behavioral therapy in addiction.
Main Results:
- No specific pharmacotherapy is currently approved for cocaine addiction treatment.
- Emerging medications show potential efficacy in clinical and laboratory studies.
- Combined pharmacological and behavioral approaches are identified as optimal for abstinence and relapse prevention.
Conclusions:
- Effective pharmacotherapy for cocaine addiction is lacking but under development.
- Integrated treatment combining medication and behavioral therapy is crucial.
- Addressing comorbid somatic and psychiatric conditions is vital for addiction management.
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