Phoenix Cocaine Abuse - Scientists Discover New Way to Combat Cocaine Dependence

Phoenix Cocaine Abuse - Pharmacological scientists may have found a new way to battle cocaine addiction.

A new study out of UC Irvine reports that when a hormone associated with hunger regulation is blocked, cocaine cravings are also reduced. The findings of the research could mean a new and effective method of treating cocaine dependence.

The hormone, called melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH), works with dopamine in the pleasure center of the brain to induce cocaine cravings. When researchers blocked MCH, cravings were limited.

"We believe that efforts to target MCH may lead to new treatments to break addiction to cocaine and, possibly, other drugs, like amphetamines and nicotine," explained Dr. Olivier Civelli, a professor of neuropharmacology.