Scientists’ Findings May Lead To New Drug-Abuse Treatments

Increased connections among brain cells caused by excessive drug use may represent the body’s defense mechanism to combat addiction and related behaviors, scientists at UT Southwestern Medical Center have found. Previous studies have shown that repeated use of drugs such as cocaine, amphetamines and nicotine increase the number of anatomical structures called dendritic spines in brain regions associated with pleasure and reward.

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Filed under: Alcohol / Addiction / Illegal Drugs on September 1st, 2008