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 1 Comment

Researchers from the University of Cambridge have found evidence that "erasing" drug-related memories may help recovered drug abusers avoid relapsing. The study showed reduced drug-seeking behaviors in rats by blocking a chemical brain receptor related to memory. Blocking the receptor during drug-related recall seemed to prevent relapse.

Memories exist in different states depending on whether they are being recalled or not. When memories are recalled, they become "unstable" or malleable and can be altered or erased during the process called reconsolidation. Because relapse by drug abusers is often prompted when they recall drug-associated memories, the scientists found that by blocking these memories they could prevent relapse.

Professor Barry Everitt, an author on the study, commented:

"The results suggest that efforts should be made to develop drugs that could be given in a controlled clinical or treatment environment in which addicts would have their most potent drug memories reactivated. Such treatments would be expected to diminish the effects of those memories in the future and help individuals resist relapse and maintain their abstinence."

(Sources: sciencedaily.com)

Labels: behaviors, relapse, memory

Posted By: Aspen Education Group 0 Comments

In March, South Dakota Governor Mike Rounds signed legislation enabling the creation of a drug court pilot program for Meade County. Now that court is preparing to take its first cases.

"[Fourth Circuit Judge Jerome] Eckrich said the program works on two basic assumptions - the district has to accept that there is a substance abuse problem in the area and that the underlying problem of addiction must be resolved to reduce the rate of relapse."

The program is essentially an intense intervention on behalf of the substance abuser. A probation officer will closely monitor the participant's life, including who the person spends time with. At the same time, an individualized treatment plan in put into place. Read more at ZWire.com.

Adolescent substance abuse is an alarming problem in this country. Teen-Help-Directory.com offers treatment programs and information about adolescent substance abuse.

Labels: recovery, courts, relapse

Posted By: Aspen Education Group 0 Comments