Researchers at Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, have identified specific nerve cells in a particular part of the brain that are related to relapses into drug abuse. These nerve cells respond to external stimuli, including smells, sights, and sounds, and play a role in reawakening cravings related to memories of drug use. Rutgers psychology professor Mark West commented on the study findings, and the potential for new addiction treatments related to these findings:

"We've identified a part of the brain that appears to process these memories. ...This might be one of the brain areas that a very skilled pharmacological approach could target."

(Source: sciencedaily.com)

Labels: brain_chemistry, drug_abuse, relapse

Posted By: Aspen Education Group