Abstract |
Dependence on cocaine is a new disorder for contemporary US clinicians. Until the 1980s sufficient quantities of the drug were not available to produce a true dependence. Thus far the only models for pharmacological intervention involve an interaction between medication and psychotherapy; that is, medication may be able to facilitate a drug-free interval during which time the patient can be engaged in psychotherapy. Psychotherapy programmes for cocaine dependence have generally been modelled on group-oriented treatments of the type used by Alcoholics Anonymous. Controlled studies of therapy programmes for cocaine dependence are currently being conducted and one prospective random-assignment study comparing day hospital and in-patient rehabilitation shows generally good results. Behavioural treatments aimed at reducing or extinguishing conditioned responses in cocaine addicts have also shown efficacy in a controlled study. More general relapse prevention procedures including rehearsal and role-playing are also used in the treatment of cocaine dependence. Combinations of psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy have so far shown the most promise in the treatment of this disorder.
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Authors | C P O'Brien, A T McLellan, A Alterman, A R Childress |
Journal | Ciba Foundation symposium
(Ciba Found Symp)
Vol. 166
Pg. 207-16; discussion 216-23
( 1992)
ISSN: 0300-5208 [Print] Netherlands |
PMID | 1638915
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S., Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)
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Chemical References |
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Topics |
- Ambulatory Care
(methods)
- Cocaine
- Conditioning, Classical
(physiology)
- Hospitalization
- Humans
- Psychotherapy
(methods)
- Substance-Related Disorders
(therapy)
- Treatment Outcome
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