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Cocaine addiction

Cocaine addiction

The Collaborative Cocaine Treatment Study (Crits-Christoph et al. 1997) was a large study which investigated different types of drug counselling to ascertain the most successful method used within cocaine treatment. The results showed, that whilst all individuals receiving counselling were able to reduce their cocaine use significantly, individuals receiving counselling on an individual one-to-one basis were able to reduce their cocaine use to a higher degree in a more rapid fashion than those receiving other types of counselling such as group therapy. This indicates that whilst all kinds of counselling were helpful for cocaine addiction, one-to-one counselling is the most beneficial.

The US department of Health and Human Services have conducted a study which suggests that a vaccine to prevent cocaine addiction ;proved mildly effective in its trial run. The vaccine aims to work by generating antibodies that block the effects of cocaine on the brain. The individuals tested in the pilot study were those that had been addicted to cocaine for at least 15 years, and were using on average 3 times daily. These individuals also attended weekly drug abuse counselling sessions focused on relapse prevention. Although still in its early stages, the research suggests that those receiving the vaccine reduced their cocaine use more quickly than those that received a placebo. However, Dr. Kosten who was conducting the study emphasises the necessity for the individual to be motivated to quit. Those who are not motivated and receive the vaccine would require levels of antibodies higher than the vaccine currently produces in order to completely prevent the feeling of euphoria typically associated with cocaine.

Although this research is still in its early stages, and is being trialled in the USA, the implication is that it could potentially lead to an additional option for cocaine help in the UK in the future.

Published by Addiction Advisor on 14/07/2011.

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