Pharmacologic MRI in Cocaine Addiction
Cocaine DependenceIn the proposed study, the investigators will assess the brain response to medication probes the investigators have previously studied with SPECT. The brain response to ondansetron and lidocaine infusions will be measured Arterial Spin Labeling and functional connectivity MRI (fcMRI).
Acoustic Startle Reduction In Cocaine Dependence
Cocaine-Related DisordersChronic cocaine administration leads to changes in brain function that persist long after the acute withdrawal phase. The acoustic startle response (ASR) is a well characterized reflexive response to a sudden acoustic stimulus. The ASR is mediated by a simple 3-synapse subcortical circuit; it is modulated in part by brain areas and neurotransmitters associated with cocaine administration. Our initial study and subsequent replication reveals a profound diminution of the ASR in cocaine-dependent subjects after a brief period of abstinence. Our preliminary findings indicate that first degree relatives of cocaine-dependent subjects also have reduced startle compared to healthy controls. The findings of low ASR in rats and humans during cocaine washout and low ASR in family members suggests there may be both a trait and state component of the startle reductions we have reported. The central objectives of this proposal are to dissect this finding with regard to its development and persistence in early and later phases of cocaine abstinence in humans; to ascertain whether startle reduction and its potential normalization during later abstinence is a predictor of clinical course in human subjects with cocaine dependence; and to examine whether startle reduction is, at least in part, a vulnerability trait for the development of cocaine dependence. This latter Aim will be carried out in humans by testing siblings of cocaine-dependent subjects. Cocaine dependence is an enormous public health problem. The significance of this work lies in the potential for the ASR reduction to serve as a reliable, easily repeatable biological measure of cocaine-induced brain changes that may enhance outcome prediction so that tailored treatments may be directed at those patients most vulnerable to relapse, given the restriction of resources for available for substance abuse treatment.
Predicting Relapse After Cocaine Inpatient Cessation
Cocaine DependenceCocaine Use DisorderCan brain MRI at entry of cocaine inpatient cessation attempt predict relapse during a three month follow-up ? Hypothesis : White matter losses in the prefrontal cortex are associated with relapse to cocaine use.
Towards Detecting Cocaine Use Using Smartwatches in the NIDA Clinical Trials Network
Cocaine-Related DisordersThe overall objective of this study is to extend previous work in the development of methods to automatically detect the timing of cocaine use from cardiac interbeat interval and physical activity data derived from wearable, unobtrusive mobile sensor technologies. The specific objectives of this protocol are to characterize under which conditions high quality continuous interbeat interval data and physical activity data can be obtained from a specially developed smartwatch device in the natural field setting among a population of cocaine users. In addition to identifying common failure scenarios and understanding wearability/usage patterns when collecting interbeat interval from smartwatches, this study will extend previous work in the detection of cocaine use via interbeat interval and physical activity data that were previously obtained from wearable chestband sensors. Information from this study will contribute toward the adaptation of the investigators' existing computational model for detecting cocaine use via the chest sensors, so it can be applied to the interbeat and physical activity data obtained from less obtrusive smartwatches.
Gender Differences in Response to Cues in Cocaine Dependence
Cocaine DependenceThe purpose of this study is to evaluate whether men and women respond differently to seeing items related to cocaine use or to remembering stressful events. Four groups of individuals will be recruited to participate in this study: men with cocaine dependence, women with cocaine dependence, men without cocaine dependence, and women without cocaine dependence. Hypothesis #1: Cocaine-dependent women will demonstrate smaller increases in neuroendocrine, but greater increases in heart rate and more cocaine craving and subjective distress when exposed to stress as compared to cocaine-dependent men and non cocaine-dependent men and women. Hypothesis #2: Cocaine-dependent men will demonstrate greater increases in neuroendocrine, but greater increases in heart rate and more cocaine craving and subjective distress when exposed to cocaine-related cues as compared to cocaine-dependent women and non cocaine-dependent men and women. Hypothesis #3: Cocaine-dependent women will demonstrate greater increases in heart rate and more cocaine craving and subjective distress when exposed to stress inducing stimuli as compared to their own responses to a cocaine-related cue. Hypothesis #4: The neuroendocrine response to a stress hormone (corticotropin releasing hormone; CRH) will be greater in cocaine-dependent women as compared to cocaine-dependent men.
Relapse Patterns in Female Cocaine Users - 4
Cocaine-Related DisordersThe purpose of this study is to pilot a relapse questionnaire and examine relapse patterns in female cocaine users.
Development of Human Laboratory Study Model of Cocaine Relapse Prevention II - 1
Cocaine-Related DisordersTo study of classical conditioning mechanisms associated with arousal, craving and cocaine use.