Ritalin may help erase cocaine memories, early study suggests
NCT ID NCT05978167
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026
Summary
This study tests whether methylphenidate (Ritalin) can help weaken memories that link drug cues to cocaine use. Fifty-one adults with cocaine use disorder will receive either methylphenidate or a placebo before recalling drug-related memories, while brain activity and skin responses are measured. The goal is to see if this approach reduces cravings and the return of drug memories, potentially leading to better addiction therapies.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
Methylphenidate
What this could lead to
If it works, this could point toward a new cue-exposure therapy that reduces cravings and relapse risk in cocaine addiction.
What could go wrong
This is a very early, small study (51 people) testing a single dose. It may not translate into real-world treatment, and methylphenidate can raise heart rate and blood pressure.
Disclaimer
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the original study
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
New York, New York, 10029, United States