From the Director
Cocaine abuse and addiction continues to be a problem that plagues
our nation. In 1997, for example, an estimated 1.5 million Americans
age 12 and older were chronic cocaine users. Although this is
an improvement over the 1985 estimate of 5.7 million users, we
still have a substantial distance to go in reducing the use of
this addictive stimulant. Science is helping. For example, we
now know more about where and how cocaine acts in the brain, including
how the drug produces its pleasurable effects and why it is so
addictive.
Through the use of sophisticated technology, scientists can actually
see the dynamic changes that occur in the brain as an individual
takes the drug. They can observe the different brain changes that
occur as a person experiences the "rush," the "high," and, finally,
the craving of cocaine. They can also identify parts of the brain
that become active when a cocaine addict sees or hears environmental
stimuli that trigger the craving for cocaine. Because these types
of studies pinpoint specific brain regions, they are critical
to identifying targets for developing medications to treat cocaine
addiction.
One of NIDA's most important goals is to translate what scientists
learn from research, in order to help the public better understand
drug abuse and addiction, and to develop more effective strategies
for their prevention and treatment. We hope that this compilation
of scientific information on cocaine will help to inform readers
about the harmful effects of cocaine abuse, and that it will assist
in prevention and treatment efforts.
Alan I. Leshner, Ph.D.
Director
National Institute on Drug Abuse
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