tfs

Pharmacological researchers at UC Irvine may have discovered a new way to limit the cravings of cocaine by blocking a hormone that regulates hunger. High levels of MCH can intensify feelings of hunger.

Headed by Shinjae Chung and Olivier Civelli, the study concentrated on the effects of the melanin-concentrating hormone interacting with dopamine, a neurotransmitter essential to the normal functioning of the central nervous system. Dopamine is also associated with the pleasure center of the brain, when it’s released during eating, sex and drug use.

Civelli, the Eric L. and Lila D. Nelson Professor of Neuropharmacology said:

This discovery indicates that MCH is a key regulator of dopamine in a brain area associated with both pleasure and addiction. We believe that efforts to target MCH may lead to new treatments to break addiction to cocaine and, possibly, other drugs, like amphetamines and nicotine.

In the study, the researchers learned that mice conditioned to develop cocaine cravings, had large amounts of MCH and dopamine. When experimental compounds that block MCH were given to the mice, the cocaine cravings disappeared. They also discovered that the mice lacking MCH, showed significant reduction in cocaine cravings.

This is actually an awesome discovery. If drugs were legalized, the main problem would be those people that become addicted who tried them. If something existed that could fight the addiction even more, then those people who don’t want to do the drugs would stand half a chance of stopping.

My only concern is the response of the Alcohol & Tobacco industry. With something on the market that can fight cravings, people may just be able to stop drinking and smoking cigarettes easier. This means far less money for those big players in the market. I guarantee they will do everything in their power to bury this study and/or stop the efforts of creating a drug that will essentially assist in kicking addiction of another (more serious) drug to the curb.