Scientists Creating Vaccines Blocking and Eliminating Cocaine Addiction in Rats

Researchers have produced an anti-cocaine lasting immunity in mice by giving them a safe vaccine, a combination of bit parts with a common cold virus particles that mimic cocaine.

In their study, published online in the January 4 issue of Molecular Therapy and funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the researchers say that this strategy may be the first new offering in cocaine addicts a fairly simple way to stop and reverse their habits, and may also be useful in treating other addictions such as nicotine, heroin and other opiates.

"Our data shows very dramatically that we were able to protect mice against the effects of cocaine, and we think this approach could be very promising in the fight against addiction in humans," said the study's lead researcher, Dr.. Ronald G. Crystal, chairman and professor of genetic medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College.

He said that the resulting antibody immune response in laboratory mice by this vaccine is binding, and lock up, the molecules of cocaine before the drug reaches the brain of this animal - and prevent any sort associated with hyperactivity of cocaine. The impact of this vaccine lasts for at least 13 weeks, longest time point evaluated.

"While other efforts in producing immunity to cocaine has been sought, this is the first one probably will not need a lot of expensive infusion, and can move quickly into human trials," said Dr.. Crystal. "There is currently no FDA-approved vaccines for drug addiction."

"A successful approach is indispensable for cocaine addiction, which is a compromise issues around the world," he added. "There is no current therapy."

New from this treatment may be related to chemical structure very similar to cocaine, to the components of adenovirus, the common cold virus. In this way, the human immune system to be vigilant against infectious agents (viruses), but also learn to "see" the crack cocaine as well as an intruder, he said. Crystal. Having recently recognized the intruder structure, built of natural immunity against cocaine particles, so that every time he snorted cocaine or used in any way, antibodies against the substance is quickly produced and ingested cocaine by the antibody molecule and preventing it from reaching the brain.

"The human immune system does not naturally recognize cocaine as something to be destroyed - just like all small molecule drugs are not eliminated by antibodies," he said. "We have engineered this response so that it can fight the cocaine."

In this study, a team of researchers - scientists from Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University in Ithaca, and the Scripps Research Institute in La Jolla, California - unload an adenovirus, just take the components that cause immune reactions and discard the parts that produce disease. They then link the analogue of cocaine on these proteins to make vaccines. "We're using an analog of cocaine as a bit more stable than cocaine, and also led to better immunity," said Dr.. Crystal.

Researchers then injected the virus into the billions of potions in the laboratory rat "parks" (rats are not genetically engineered). They found a strong immune response generated against the vaccine, and these antibodies, if placed in the test tube, capable of devouring cocaine.

They then tested the vaccine effect on behavior, and found that mice that received the vaccine before it was given less hyperactive cocaine to the drug than mice not vaccinated. The effect was even seen in rats that received cocaine repeatedly in large doses. Proportionately, reflecting the number of cocaine doses that can be used by humans.

This vaccine should be tested in humans, of course, he said. Crystal, but he predicts that if successful, will serve very well to people already addicted to cocaine and who try to stop using drugs. "This vaccine can help them get rid of the habit, because if they use cocaine, the immune response to destroy the drug before it reaches the brain's pleasure center."

In addition to Dr.. Crystal, author of the study include Martin J. Hicks, Bishnu P. De, Jonathan B. Rosenberg, Jesse T. Davidson, Neil R. Hackett, Stephen M. Kaminsky and Miklos Toth from Weill Cornell Medical College; Jason G. Mezey of Weill Cornell Medical College and Cornell University in Ithaca, NY; Amira Y. Moreno, Kim D. Widow, Sunmee Wee and George F. Koob of the Scripps Research Institute in La Jolla, California

The study was funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) from the National Institutes of Health.

Cocaine Vaccine Blocker High Levels In Mice

ScienceDaily (Jan. 5, 2011) - Researchers have produced an anti-cocaine lasting immunity in mice by giving them a safe vaccine that combines bits from the common cold virus particles that mimic the cocaine.

Cocaine Vaccine Blocker

In their study, published January 4, 2011 in the online issue of Molecular Therapy and funded by the National Institute on Drug Abusev, the researchers said the new strategy is probably the first to offer a cocaine addict with a fairly simple way to break and reverse their habits, and perhaps also useful in treating other addictions, such as nicotine, heroin and other opiates.

"Our data demonstrate very dramatically that we can protect mice against the effects of cocaine, and we think this approach could be very promising in the fight against addiction in humans," said the study's principal investigator, Dr. Ronald G. Crystal, chairman and professor of genetic medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College.

He said the resulting antibody immune response in laboratory mice by this vaccine is binding, and held, cocaine molecules before the drug reaches the brain of these animals - and prevent any sort associated with hyperactivity of cocaine. The impact of the vaccine lasts for at least 13 weeks, the longest time point evaluated.

"While other attempts at producing immunity to cocaine have been tried, this is the first that will probably not require much, expensive infusion, and can move quickly into human trials," says Dr. Crystal. "There is currently no FDA-approved vaccines for drug addiction."

"A successful approach is indispensable for cocaine addiction, which is a matter of compromise throughout the world," he added. "There is no current therapy."

The novelty of this treatment possible is that it hooks a chemical structure very similar to cocaine, to the components of adenovirus, a common cold virus. In this way, the human immune system is vigilant against infectious agents (viruses), but also learn to "see" cocaine as an intruder, Dr. Crystal said. Once the structure of the new intruders are recognized, to build a natural immunity to the particles of cocaine, so every time snorting cocaine or used in any way, antibodies against the substance quickly produced and cocaine molecules are engulfed by the antibody and is prevented from reaching the brain.

"The human immune system are not naturally tag cocaine as something to be destroyed - like all small molecule drugs are not eliminated by antibodies," he said. "We've engineered it so that the response against cocaine mimics."

In this study, a team of researchers - scientists from Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University in Ithaca, and the Scripps Research Institute in La Jolla, California - unload an adenovirus, just take the components that cause immune reactions and discard those that produce disease. They then link the analogue of cocaine on these proteins to make vaccines. "We're using an analog of cocaine as a bit more stable than cocaine, and also led to better immunity," says Dr. Crystal.

The researchers then injected the virus into the billions of these herbs in a "garden variety" laboratory mice (mice not genetically modified). They found a strong immune response generated against the vaccine, and these antibodies, if placed in the test tube, eating cocaine.

They then tested the vaccine effect on behavior, and found that mice that received the vaccine prior to cocaine less hyperactive, while on the drug than mice not vaccinated. The effect was even seen in rats that received large, repeated doses of cocaine. Proportionally reflect the amount of cocaine doses that humans can use.

This vaccine should be tested in humans, of course, said Dr. Crystal, but he predicts that if successful, it will function best in a person who was addicted to cocaine and who try to stop using drugs. "This vaccine can help them kick the habit because if they use cocaine, the immune response to destroy the drug before it reaches the brain's pleasure center."

In addition to Dr. Crystal, author of the study include Martin J. Hicks, Bishnu P. De, Jonathan B. Rosenberg, Jesse T. Davidson, Neil R. Hackett, Stephen M. Kaminsky and Miklos Toth from Weill Cornell Medical College; Jason G. Mezey of Weill Cornell Medical College and Cornell University in Ithaca, NY; Amira Y. Moreno, Kim D. Widow, Sunmee Wee and George F. Koob of the Scripps Research Institute in La Jolla, California

The study was funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) from the National Institutes of Health.

Sources:
ScienceDaily (January 5, 2011)

Cocaine Addiction Rehab That Works

Cocaine addiction rehab can be a scary concept for anyone. After all, until you have to deal with it, most people do not know what's in store for them. And let's face it, if you or someone you love is at a point in their life that cocaine rehab treatment is imminent you are probably dealing with a lot of emotional issues. In fact, you may even be struggling with other problems in your life. The reality is that most people do not seek help until they feel everything in their life is out of control. This may include problems with health, there could be work related problems, money issues, legal concerns, relationship problems, or basically anything else in the person's life. At 4Rehabilitation.com we understand the struggles that people are dealing with at such a time.

A phone call to one of our experienced addiction counselors is a great way to get started on your way to help. Our addiction counselors can help you in finding the right drug addiction treatment program for you or your loved one. And you can call anytime. The number is 800-380-6812. We also offer a ‘free assessment form' at our site. And you don't have to worry; all of your personal information will be kept confidential and private.

By the time help is sought the addict's life is in turmoil. This often includes financial problems. In fact, in today's world, many of us have financial difficulties. 4Rehabilitation.com offers a payment plan as well as financing for those that are uninsured or under insured. This is our way of ensuring that all who want help can get it. We have some clients seeking crack-cocaine rehab using the payment plan and we have clients in need of oxycontin drug treatment using the payment plan. It's available to everyone.

Another aspect of our program is the fact that it is open ended. This means that a group of individuals may come in at the same time for cocaine addiction rehab but that does not necessarily mean they will leave at the same time. In fact, that is unlikely. People recover at different rates. One person in for cocaine rehab treatment may recover much quicker than the others. This is not exclusive to cocaine addicts. The same is true for individuals seeking crack-cocaine rehab or any other type of drug treatment. Some wounds heal faster than others and some people just seem to be stronger emotionally and healthier physically. That is why a fixed time frame is not a good idea for drug addiction treatment programs.

Drug Rehab Center

Cocaine Addiction Book Collections

Signs and symptoms of drug abuse and addiction

How can I tell if I or a loved one has a drug abuse or addiction problem?

Although different drugs may have different effects on overall physical and mental health, the basic pattern is the same. Getting and using the drug becomes more and more important than anything else, including job, friends and family. The physical and emotional consequences of drug abuse and addiction also make it difficult to function, often impairing judgment to a dangerous level.

Physical signs of abuse and addiction

Drug abuse affects the brain and body directly. While high, the drug affects the entire body, from blood pressure to heart rate. Stimulants like cocaine and methamphetamine “amp up” the body, increasing blood pressure, metabolism and reducing the ability to sleep. Drugs like opiates and barbiturates slow down the body, reducing blood pressure, breathing and alertness sometimes to dangerous levels. Some physical signs of abuse and addiction include:

Cycles of increased energy, restlessness, and inability to sleep (often seen instimulants).

Abnormally slow movements, speech or reaction time, confusion and disorientation (often seen in opiates, benzodiazepines and barbiturates) Sudden weight loss or weight gain.

Unexpected changes in clothing, such as constantly wearing long sleeved shirts, to hide scarring at injection sites.

Suspected drug paraphernalia such as unexplained pipes, roach clips or syringes.For snorted drugs, chronic troubles with sinusitis or nosebleeds.

For smoked drugs, a persistent cough or bronchitis, leading to coughing up excessive mucus or blood.Progressive severe dental problems (especially with methamphetamine)

Effects of drug abuse and addiction

What makes drug addiction problems so challenging to face, as opposed to other mental or physical problems? Drug abuse affects the person’s life in many ways, including health, finances and stability. But it also affects the entire family, friends, colleagues and even the community. What’s more, the strong denial and rationalization of the person using drugs makes it extremely difficult to get help, and can make concerned family members feel like they are the problem.

Those who abuse drugs have a greater risk for health problems down the road, from neglecting their own health to risk of infectious disease like hepatitis or HIV from sharing needles. Heavy drug use directly affects health as well, including lung disease, arthritis, heart problems, brain damage and death from overdose. Productivity at work often suffers, and eventually trouble keeping a job or even homelessness can occur. The urge to use is so powerful that criminal activity for money or more drugs can be a strong temptation.

One of the most powerful effects of drug abuse and addiction is denial. The urge to use is so strong that the mind finds many ways to rationalize drug use. Someone abusing drugs may drastically underestimate the quantity of drugs they are taking, how much it is costing them, and how much time it takes away from their family and work. They may lash out at concerned family members, making the family feel like they are exaggerating and overstating the problem. What makes this so frustrating for family members is the person abusing drugs often sincerely believes they do not have a problem, and can make the family member feel like the dysfunctional one.

Sadly, drug abuse and addiction doesn’t only affect the person abusing drugs. It affects friends, family and the entire society. Child abuse and neglect is much more common when there is drug abuse in the family. The abuser may neglect a child’s basic needs in the quest for more drugs, or lack of impulse control can lead to increased physical and emotional abuse. Drug abuse by a pregnant woman affects the developing baby’s health. Domestic violence also happens more frequently. Abusing drugs leads to higher risk of injuries and death to self and others in car accidents.

Family stress

If you have someone you love abusing drugs, it is an enormous emotional strain. You might feel obligated to cover for the abuser, cutting back from work to deal with the abuser’s problems or working more to make financial ends meet. You might not be able to see friends and engage in hobbies, as coping with the abuse takes more and more time. The shame of drug abuse in the family stops many family members from asking for help, instead pretending nothing is wrong. The emotional toll can be overwhelming. Children are especially sensitive.

This denial and rationalization can lead to increased problems with work, finances and relationships. The person abusing drugs may blame an “unfair boss’ for losing her job, or a ‘nagging wife’ for why he is increasingly going out with friends to get high. While work and relationship stresses happen to everyone, an overall pattern of deterioration and blaming others may be a sign of trouble.

Mental and emotional signs of abuse and addiction

Abuse and addiction also affect mood, as drugs are abused for the temporary good feelings they provide. These feelings can vary depending on the drug used. Some mental and emotional signs include:

◦Cycles of being unusually talkative, “up” and cheerful, with seemingly boundless energy.

◦Increased irritability, agitation and anger

◦Unusual calmness, unresponsiveness or looking “spaced out”

◦Apathy and depression

◦Paranoia, delusions

◦Temporary psychosis, hallucinations

◦Lowered threshold for violence

Teenagers and drug abuse

It can sometimes be hard for parents to tell if their teenager has a drug problem. After all, teenagers are notorious for oversleeping, being argumentative and pushing boundaries, or wanting their own privacy and space. If you suspect your teen has a drug problem, look for marked changes in behavior, appearance and health. Is your teen suddenly having trouble in school? Does he/or she seem more and more isolated, or have a new group of friends? A teen with drug problems may spend a lot of time sleeping- or be keyed up or unable to sleep. Have you noticed that money or objects that could be sold for drugs seem to be disappearing? Do prescription drugs seem to be used up too quickly?

What causes drug abuse and addiction?

What makes one person abuse drugs to the point of losing their home, their family and their job, while another does not? There is no one simple reason. Drug abuse and addiction is due to many factors. A powerful force in addiction is the inability to self- soothe or get relief from untreated mental or physical pain. Without the self-resilience and support to handle stress, loneliness or depression, drugs can be a tempting way to deal with the situation. Unfortunately, due to the changes drugs make to the brain, it can only take a few times or even one time to be on the road to addiction. Some other risk factors include:

Family history of addiction. While the interplay between genetics andenvironment is not entirely clear, if you have a family history of addiction, you are at higher risk for abusing drugs.

History of mental illness. Drug abuse can worsen mental illness or even create new symptoms. See dual diagnosis for more information on mental illness and drug abuse.

Untreated physical pain. Without medical supervision, pain medications or illegal drugs like heroincan rapidly become addictive.

Peer pressure. If people around you are doing drugs, it can be difficult to resist the pressure to try them, especially if you are a teenager.

Cocaine Addiction Solutions | Cocaine Effects |