Brain/Dopamine Imaging Study – Cocaine Users

STUDY BASICS

Cocaine users between 18-40 years old needed for a brain imaging research study. Participation involves questionnaires, interviews, and brain scanning (1 MRI and 2 PET scans). Study conducted over a period of 1 month. Compensation provided.

STUDY PURPOSE

The purpose of this study is to help researchers understand the role of the chemical dopamine in cocaine dependence. Dopamine is used by the brain to pass messages between brain cells called neurons. Dopamine seems to play an important role in regulating reward, pleasure and motivation. To learn about the role of dopamine in addiction, researchers will compare brain scans from people who use cocaine with people who do not use cocaine.

COULD THIS STUDY BE RIGHT FOR YOU?

• Ages 18-40
• Currently have a problem with cocaine use
• Not on any prescription medications (birth control ok)
• Willing and able to have MRI and PET scans

WHAT PARTICIPANTS CAN EXPECT

Study participation includes a psychiatric and physical evaluation, blood draws, electrocardiogram, and urinalysis. Participants will also undergo one Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan, which is a diagnostic test that produces pictures that look very much like x-ray pictures; and two Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans, which is a method used to take pictures of the brain. Before the second PET scan, participants will be given an oral dose of dextroamphetamine (also called d-amphetamine). D-amphetamine, sometimes called “speed” or “uppers”, increases the amount of dopamine in the brain. It is being used in this study so that the investigators can measure the changes in dopamine levels.