Mind Over Matter - Stimulants

The Brain's Response to Stimulants

Miscommunication in the Brain

Cocaine Can Damage the Way the Brain Works

Cocaine Tightens Blood Vessels

Scientists Discover Answers

The Search Continues

Order Publications

Order This Publication! You can also call 1-877-NIDA-NIH to order print publications.

Homework Help

Do you want to include this page as a reference for your report?

Learn more.

Scientists Discover Answers

Fortunately, scientists have figured out how to copy the gene that controls the dopamine transporter. This process is called "cloning".

By studying copies of the transporter, scientists may learn more about how cocaine affects it -- and how to prevent those effects. These studies may even lead to the discovery of a treatment for cocaine addiction.

Scientists are already working to create a medication to use as a treatment. This chemical would attach to the dopamine transporter just like cocaine does, but it wouldn't block dopamine's normal movement back into neurons. By attaching to the transporter, the substitute would block the effects of cocaine.

<< Previous Page

Next Page >>