Cocaine Addiction: Neurobiology and Related Current Research in Pharmacotherapy.

In this article, recent research studies in the field of cocaine addiction are reviewed, with an eye toward emergent options for treatment innovation. Particular attention is paid to the neurobiology and specific neurotransmitter and receptor mechanisms involved in cocaine abuse, dependence, and other unique phenomena of addiction such as sensitization, craving, compulsive drug use, and withdrawal. The vicissitudes in the dopamine theory of brain reward mechanisms, dopaminergic effects of cocaine, and emerging roles of GABA, serotonin, glutamate, and nitric oxide in cocaine addiction and its sequelae are discussed.