This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject and investigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source, and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed is for the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator. The purpose of experiments proposed in this application is to investigate the nature and characteristics of the residual changes that persist during abstinence from extended abuse of cocaine using positron emission tomography (PET). In the proposed experiments abstinent cocaine addicts in treatment will be compared to normal controls as well as current cocaine users in a cross sectional comparison of changes in functional activity as reflected in changes in rates of glucose utilization measured with [18F]flurorodeoxyglucose. A second goal is to determine if the pattern of functional activity seen in abstainers changes with continued abstinence from cocaine. Glucose landscapes obtained early in treatment will be compared to those obtained later in abstinence after sustained treatment. Abstinent cocaine users will be recruited from a local treatment facility and metabolic activity assessed within one week of last drug use and again 28 days later. Abstinent cocaine users will be compared to groups of normal controls and active cocaine users assessed at similar intervals. Neuropsychological tests will be administered prior to each PET scan. It is hoped that this approach will provide important insights into the process of abstinence and provide a basis for developing both pharmacological and behavioral therapies that aid in maintaining abstinence from cocaine.
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