Cocaine abuse is not only a major public health problem but some of the symptoms associated with cocaine discontinuation resemble some aspects of schizophrenia, particularly the loss of energy or anhedonia. We are studying the effects of cocaine discontinuation in rats and humans. The primary paradigm we have used is to administer cocaine (10 mg, IP, twice daily) to rats and examine the behavioral and biochemical changes for up to three months after discontinuation. To date, consistent changes have been found in frontal cortex, consistent with decreased dopamine function; some of these effects last for up to three months.
