Motivated Cocaine Addicts Could Use New Medication

Posted by azdrugrehabctr on March 21, 2017 under Addiction Trends, AZ Drug Rehab News | Comments are off for this article

Blocking the effects of drugs is not a new concept. In fact, those struggling with heroin addictions or addictions to any other opioid can use Suboxone or methadone to help with overcoming withdrawal symptoms. These drugs work by blocking the dopamine receptors in the brain so the person cannot feel the euphoric high of the opioids, thus allowing them to get off the drug without fear of relapsing. However, a medication that blocks the effects of cocaine has yet to be developed, but that may soon change. A research group at the University of Cincinnati may have come up with the first blocking medication suitable for cocaine addicts.

The drug works by introducing a specialized antibody (a protein that fights against specific antigens) into the blood stream. That antibody then attaches to the cocaine molecules inside the person’s body. When the antibody attaches to the cocaine it prevents the drug from reaching the brain, which is the part of the body that triggers the high. So, if someone is struggling with a cocaine addiction they can receive this medication and any time they use cocaine during those thirty days the antibodies will attack the drug before the user can ever feel it’s effects. In order to achieve maximum benefit, the user would have to get a dose of the antibody every 30 days.

But, the medication can only be effective if the user maintains their monthly doses of the antibody. This is a point that researchers are anxious for people to understand. Just like any other medical intervention for drug addiction, the medication only works if the person is serious about getting off the drugs.

“It will help keel people that are motivated to stay off cocaine do so by making sure any relapse event does not lead to a sustained relapse event. If people are not highly motivated to quit cocaine, there is no reason that this will be helpful,” explained Andrew Norman, lead author of the study.

While the antibodies are not on the market yet, the research team is hoping to get FDA approval for human trials soon. As of now they have only tested their medication on lab animals.