The National Institute on Drug Abuse estimates that 1.5 million Americans could be classified as dependent on or abusing cocaine and that over 900,000 of these are seeking treatment. In Europe, after opioids and cannabis, cocaine is the drug most commonly reported as the reason for entering treatment.
Cocaine is a potent central nervous system stimulant which can powerfully stimulate the dopaminergic reward system by releasing unnaturally high amounts of dopamine, leading to a euphoric experience and consequent potential for abuse and dependence.
The central role of the enzyme dopamine ß-hydroxylase (DBH) in cocaine addiction is supported by both clinical and preclinical studies. Nepicastat has the potential to help patients withdraw from cocaine and to prevent relapse.
USEFUL LINKS:
European Monitoring Centre for Drugs & Drug Addiction (EU)
National Institute of Drug Abuse (US)