New Cocaine Treatment in a Shot October 18
Vaccine like shots that prevent users from getting high were tested as a treatment to prevent the use of cocaine in users to some good results. While it wasn’t a perfect prevention method it helped enough users for it to be great starting point. Cocaine addiction is one of the hardest to treat and currently relies on counseling to reach successful recovery and even successful cases face relapse. The vaccine works by blocking the action of cocaine in the brain.
This news comes shortly after it was announced that a similar treatment source will be tested for tobacco users. Both drugs work by stimulating the immune system, causing it to create antibodies that attach to the molecules of the substance blocking it from reaching the brain and therefore it’s ability to be satisfying to the user. When the shot was used for cocaine addiction it caused about 40% of users to significantly reduce or quit using the drug for at least a temporary period.
This new form of treatment is a step in a different direction. By treating the drug abuse as a disease rather than a moral dilemma it can be seen from a new perspective that could offer more consistent and successful forms of treatment than what currently exists.
Over the course of the 12 week study 115 users were monitored and received at least 5 shots of the drug along with counseling. Each week their blood was tested for antibodies and their urine was tested for signs of heroin or cocaine. Roughly 38% of those tested developed antibody levels that were high enough to prevent a high from cocaine. As a result 53% of those who developed higher levels of antibodies against the drug, quit using the drug for more than half of the length of the study. A larger study is planned for next year. In time if the drug can be made to be successful enough it could result in a consistent treatment method.
Tags: cocaine, cocaine addiction, research, shot, treatment, vaccine