Memory-boosting drug may prevent relapse in drug-addicts

[Nealoren]

A memory-boosting medication paired with behavioral therapy could help addicts stay clean, animal study suggests.

The study has suggested that D-cycloserine, previously used in the lab to treat fear and anxiety disorders, could help an addict resist drugs even when confronted with drug-related cues outside of rehab.

Substance abusers have high rates of relapse, often falling back into old habits only days after they 'quit.'

In this study, a group of researchers led by Mary Torregrossa of Yale University, observed 168 rats that self-administered cocaine for weeks, a behavior that mimics addiction in humans.

The authors then used a form of behavioral therapy called extinction therapy to dampen the craving-inducing effects of cues. The scientists supplemented the therapy with the memory-enhancing drug.

"Extinction therapy usually only works where the therapy takes place, like a treatment center," Torregrossa said.

"Using drugs like D-cycloserine to make extinction work more broadly is a big advancement in the treatment of addiction."

The new results show that extinction therapy, in conjunction with D-cycloserine, could combat relapse due to cues, even in new environments.