Scientists scan brains of cocaine users to uncover dopamine secrets
NCT ID NCT05011760
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jul 07, 2026 · Updated 2 times
Summary
This study uses brain scans (PET) to measure how much dopamine is released after a low dose of amphetamine in people with cocaine use disorder. Researchers want to understand brain changes linked to addiction. About 30 adults aged 18-55 with cocaine use disorder will participate. No treatment is tested; the goal is to learn more about the condition.
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Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Early phase 1
The earliest testing in people: a first look at safety, in a very small group.
- Participants
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About 30 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Jan 2021
- Expected to finish
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Sep 2028
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 to 55 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Males or females between 18 and 55 years old 2. Fulfil DSM-5 criteria for cocaine use disorder 3. No other current DSM-5 psychiatric or addictive disorders (such as major depressive disorder, bipolar disorders, psychotic disorders, etc.,) 4. No current abuse (six months) of opiates, sedative-hypnotics, amphetamines, and MDMA as well as moderate to severe alcohol or cannabis use (twice a week). Nicotine use will be quantified and controlled between groups using the Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence (Heatherton et al., 1991); 5. Not currently on prescription medical or psychotropic medications 6. No current or past severe medical, endocrine or neurological illnesses including glaucoma, seizure disorders, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia as assessed by a complete medical history and physical 7. Not currently pregnant or breastfeeding 8. No history of significant radioactivity exposure in past year from another research study or occupation that exceeds RDRC guidelines 9. No metallic objects in the body that are contraindicated for MRI 10. No baseline BP ≥ 140/90 and/or HR ≥ 100. 11. No first-degree relative with an MI or stroke prior to middle age 12. No first-degree relative with psychosis or mania. 13. Completed a baseline \[11C\]NOP-1A PET scan in Aim 1 (Study Record: Imaging CRF X NOP interactions in Cocaine Use Disorders)
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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.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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University of PIttsburgh
RECRUITINGPittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15213, United States
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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