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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 13, 2026

Stereotaxic Microinjection of Viral Vectors Expressing Cre Recombinase to Study the Role of Target Genes in Cocaine Conditioned Place Preference

Stereotaxic Microinjection of Viral Vectors Expressing Cre Recombinase to Study the Role of Target Genes in Cocaine Conditioned Place Preference

Published on: July 30, 2013

Cocaine dependence.

F H Gawin¹, E H Ellinwood

¹Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06510.

Annual Review of Medicine

|January 1, 1989

Summary

Cocaine addiction is a serious public health issue. Research shows it causes unique withdrawal and dependence, rooted in brain changes affecting pleasure responses, not just psychological factors.

Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Psychiatry
Public Health

Background:

Cocaine is a major public health concern.
Cocaine abuse and withdrawal differ from other drugs.
Dependence may involve neurophysiological changes.

Purpose of the Study:

Investigate the neurophysiological basis of cocaine dependence.
Differentiate cocaine's effects from other substance use disorders.
Explore novel treatment strategies.

Main Methods:

Clinical investigations of cocaine abuse patterns.
Preclinical data analysis on central nervous system function.
Review of emerging pharmacological and psychotherapeutic treatments.

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A Protocol for Measuring Cue Reactivity in a Rat Model of Cocaine Use Disorder

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Last Updated: May 13, 2026

Stereotaxic Microinjection of Viral Vectors Expressing Cre Recombinase to Study the Role of Target Genes in Cocaine Conditioned Place Preference

Stereotaxic Microinjection of Viral Vectors Expressing Cre Recombinase to Study the Role of Target Genes in Cocaine Conditioned Place Preference

Published on: July 30, 2013

Assessment of Cocaine-induced Behavioral Sensitization and Conditioned Place Preference in Mice

Assessment of Cocaine-induced Behavioral Sensitization and Conditioned Place Preference in Mice

Published on: February 18, 2016

A Protocol for Measuring Cue Reactivity in a Rat Model of Cocaine Use Disorder

A Protocol for Measuring Cue Reactivity in a Rat Model of Cocaine Use Disorder

Published on: June 18, 2018

Main Results:

Cocaine dependence involves neurophysiological down-regulation.
Specific central nervous system processes regulating hedonic responses are affected.
Distinct abuse and withdrawal patterns observed.

Conclusions:

Cocaine dependence has a neurophysiological basis.
Treatments should address these underlying brain mechanisms.
New pharmacological and psychotherapeutic approaches show promise.