Chandler Cocaine Abuse - Cocaine's Effects on Brain Metabolism

Chandler Cocaine Abuse - Cocaine's impact on the metabolism of the brain may explain why it has such high potential for abuse, according to a recent study conducted at Brookhaven National Laboratory.

Prior to this study, research on cocaine's neurological effects has focused on dopamine transporters in the brain. However, the Brookhaven study found that cocaine affects the brain's metabolism even when dopamine transporters are absent.

In the study, the researchers monitored brain metabolism after cocaine administration in rats with and without dopamine transporters. For both groups, cocaine significantly decreased brain metabolism.

Researchers believe that these metabolic effects may play a strong role in the use of and addiction to cocaine. Scientists believe that correcting these effects may help treat cocaine addiction.