This study will use a pretest posttest crossover design with subjects serving as their own controls to test the efficacy of auricular acupuncture interventions in diminishing psychological and physiological changes associated with cocaine craving in treatment seeking cocaine dependent patients. Cocaine craving is conceptualized as a multidimensional drive state with psychological and/or physiological correlates that often lead to drug consumption. Auricular acupuncture is an intervention consisting of insertion of needles into specific areas in the ear for the purpose of alleviating distressing symptoms associated with drug addiction and withdrawal. Ear point locations specifically targeted for drug withdrawal will represent the """"""""real"""""""" acupuncture intervention. Ear point locations not targeted for any specific therapeutic benefit will represent the """"""""sham"""""""" or placebo acupuncture. Thirty subjects will be randomized to receive either the real or sham acupuncture first. Twenty-four hours later each subject will receive the other acupuncture intervention. Subjects will be exposed to a cocaine cue before and after each intervention in order to simulate a craving. Cues are internal and/or external stimuli that serve as drug using reminders. A ten minute video showing individuals using cocaine will be utilized as the cue exposure. Psychological (Cocaine Craving Questionnaire-NOW) and physiological (electrodermal activity) changes associated with cocaine craving will be measured after the initial cue exposure but before the interventions, as well as after the interventions and a repeated cue exposure. Data will be analyzed using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA).

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR)
Type
Predoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F31)
Project #
1F31NR007279-01
Application #
2411848
Study Section
National Institute of Nursing Research Initial Review Group (NRRC)
Program Officer
Phillips, Janice
Project Start
1998-03-23
Project End
Budget Start
1997-09-23
Budget End
1998-08-22
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
1997
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Medical University of South Carolina
Department
Type
Schools of Nursing
DUNS #
183710748
City
Charleston
State
SC
Country
United States
Zip Code
29425