ADHD Medication Shows Promise in Cocaine Addiction Recovery

There are currently no proven medication options for those struggling with cocaine addiction. A group of Dutch researchers developed a theory that a non-stimulant ADHD medication, amoxetine, may help reduce impulsive behavior and provide help to this population. They tested the theory in cocaine-exposed rats and found that, although the drug did not seem to reduced impulsive behaviors in general, it did significantly reduce the probability that the rats would return to cocaine use when they had the opportunity to do so after a period of abstinence. Even though their theory for how amoxetine works was not confirmed, the researchers concluded that the outcome was still favorable and the drug holds promise for those trying to recover from cocaine addiction. Their research is scheduled to be published in 2014 in the journal Addiction Biology.

Read the full summary from Addiction Treatment Magazine here.