Cocaine addiction may not be something anyone would set out to develop, but the reality is that too many people have developed this addiction and lives are lost as a result. Doctors and scientists continue to focus on research to better understand the addiction and potential treatments, but there is still much work to do.

A recent Science Daily release focused on a story that explored the pharmacological strategies for reducing the self-administration of cocaine. This study focused on animals to identify the potential in treatments for adults.

The primary excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain is the glutamate. This neurotransmitter has been identified more than once as the key to drug addiction. This element is also an important piece to learning and memory. Receptors involved in the glutamate have been identified as potential targets for drug addiction recovery methods.

In a study of rats by scientists at The Scripps Research Institute, it was determined that glutamate antagonists changed into opposite directions during the development of addiction. This pathway helped to better explain what happens during the transition from casual cocaine use to addiction.

If the right glutamate receptors can be targeted in treatment, recovery may hold more promise for cocaine addicts. Study authors do warn, however, that such treatments may only be effective in early stages of cocaine abuse.

It is also important to note that all types of cocaine use and abuse are not alike. When cocaine exposure is done to different extents by different users, different adaptations may occur in the brain systems. Further research must be conducted to identify one method in a number of potential addicts.