Surprise Cocaine Abuse - Cocaine-Related Genes Increase Addiction's Behavioral Effects

Surprise Cocaine Abuse - New research published in the journal Neuron illustrates how cocaine abuse affects the expression of genes. According to the study, cocaine affects gene expression in the area of the brain responsible for reward and pleasure.

The drug's impact on gene expression causes it to have a powerful effect on behavior. The altered gene expression is most prominent in the nucleus accumbens of the brain.

"Although we have known for some time that changes in gene expression contribute to the long-lasting regulation of the brain's reward circuitry that is seen during drug addiction, how those specific genes are regulated is not well understood," commented research author Dr. Eric J. Nestler.

The study's findings are expected to advance the treatment of cocaine addiction. Scientists will try to focus treatments on medications that target gene expression.