Cocaine addiction 'vaccine' touted

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by Change | 6 Oct 2009

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Experts in the US have been developing a new cocaine addiction treatment that could provide a new way for rehab centers to help wean users off the drug for good.

A new trial in the US has found that cocaine addicts could be weaned off the drug for good by using a new addiction treatment described as a 'vaccine'.

The experiment found that 40 per cent of cocaine addicts in the trial group either stopped taking the drug or dramatically reduced consumption for up to two months after the vaccine was administered.

The authors of the study explained: ''Optimal treatment will likely require repeated booster vaccinations to maintain appropriate antibody levels."

It is hoped the scheme could provide a new approach to tackling drug addiction and could be used by rehab centers as part of a range of treatments to help an individual suffering from cocaine addiction to put their life back together.

While two months may not seem to be a long period of time, it can be enough for addicts to take time out at a rehab clinic and get to the root of their problems, helping them to turn their lives around without the nagging cravings that a cocaine addiction can create.

A recent study in the UK found that the creation of a National Treatment Agency to help treat addicts had helped cut the use of cocaine and heroin among those undergoing treatment.

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