PET scans reveal Cocaine's brain impact
NCT ID NCT04721418
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Aug 26, 2026 · Updated 2 times
Summary
This study uses PET scans with a special tracer to measure brain synapse density in 80 people—some with cocaine use disorder and some healthy controls. Researchers aim to see if cocaine changes brain connections, especially in areas linked to decision-making and addiction. Participants will be followed over time to track changes during abstinence.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- 11C-UCB-J (a radioactive tracer for PET scans)
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could reveal how cocaine changes brain connections, pointing toward new targets for addiction treatment.
- What could go wrong
- This is an early observational study, not a treatment trial. It may not find clear differences or lead directly to therapies.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Participants
-
About 80 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
-
Jul 2021
- Expected to finish
-
Apr 2027
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.
Who is studied
One group will have current Cocaine Use Disorder, the other group will be Healthy Controls
- Ages
-
21 to 60 years
- Sex
-
Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
-
Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
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: * Age 21-60 years * Physically healthy by medical history, physical, neurological, ECG and laboratory examinations * For females, a negative serum pregnancy test * For CUD: DSM-5 criteria for Cocaine Use Disorder and positive urine toxicology showing recent use * For HC: Negative urine toxicology Exclusion Criteria: * DSM-5 criteria for other substance use disorders (e.g., alcohol, opiates, sedative hypnotics), except for nicotine * A primary DSM-5 Axis I major psychiatric disorder (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression, etc.) as determined by the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 (SCID-5) * A history of significant and/or uncontrolled medical or neurological illness * Current use of psychotropic and/or potentially psychoactive prescription medications * Medical contraindications to MRI procedure
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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
Locations
-
Connecticut Mental Health Center
New Haven, Connecticut, 06519, United States
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