Different Brain Responses Linked to Level of Addiction
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found a link between rats' level of cocaine addiction and their responses to different stimuli. Rats were allowed to give themselves cocaine with the pull of a lever. Once addicted, and then put through withdrawal, the rats were then given different drugs. One drug was given that reduces cravings along with a small amount of cocaine. In another trial, the rats were given a drug that increases cravings. The more addicted rats were much more likely to give themselves more cocaine in both trials, showing differing brain responses to the same stimuli, based on level of addiction.