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These transcription factors have been shown to play a role in the short-term and long-term adaptive changes in the brain. CREB has been implicated in learning, memory, and depression and enriched in cocaine users within the nucleus accumbens. CREB seems to upregulate many genes in its pathway within the reward regions of the brain.
The goal of addiction research is to find ways to prevent and reverse the effects of addiction on the brain. Theoretically, if the structural changes in the brain associated with addiction can be blocked, then the negative behaviors associated with the disease should never develop.
Cocaine dependence is a neurological disorder that is characterized by withdrawal symptoms upon cessation from cocaine use. [1] It also often coincides with cocaine addiction which is a biopsychosocial disorder characterized by persistent use of cocaine and/or crack despite substantial harm and adverse consequences.
A problem with illegal cocaine use, especially in the higher volumes used to combat fatigue (rather than increase euphoria) by long-term users, is the risk of ill effects or damage caused by the compounds used in adulteration.
Animal studies in various species have found that cocaine impacts brain structure, function, and chemistry, and causes long-term changes at the molecular, cellular, and behavioral levels. [1] Animal Model Studies have shown that cocaine has the ability to cross the placenta and the blood brain barrier in the body.
It can also have more dangerous side effects like heart failure and long-term memory, attention and judgment problems, according to the National Institute of Drug Abuse. Long-term use of inhalants ...
This also prevents the cocaine from crossing the blood–brain barrier, negating the euphoric high and rewarding effect of cocaine caused from stimulation of dopamine release in the mesolimbic reward pathway. The vaccine does not affect the user's "desire" for cocaine—only the physical effects of the drug. [69]
Bonci is known for his studies on the long-term effects of drug exposure on the brain. [6] [7] Bonci's laboratory, in collaboration with Robert Malenka, was the first to demonstrate that drugs of abuse, such as cocaine, modify the strength of the connections between neurons. [8]