Tests map cocaine 'rush'

By Associated Press, 09/26/97

[INLINE] cans of cocaine addicts' brains have shown the circuits that
are turned on by the drug's initial rush, and by the euphoria and
craving that follow, according to doctors at Massachusetts General
Hospital.

The scanning technique, which uses a new kind of brain imaging, has
given researchers a peek at precisely what occurs biologically inside
the head during drug addiction.

Dr. Hans Breiter of Massachusetts General Hospital, who conducted the
experiment, said this new tool makes it possible to explore drugs that
shortcircuit the effects of cocaine on the brain as a way of breaking
addiction.

Researchers found that about 90 distinct parts of the brain are
stimulated during the brief cocaine rush and the plateau of euphoria.

As the pleasant feelings ebb, most of these brain areas fall inactive
again, leaving just 13 lit up. With these remaining brain circuits
come the fierce craving for more cocaine.

This story ran on page A12 of the Boston Globe on 09/26/97.
(c)Copyright 1997 Globe Newspaper Company.