Imaging the Neurobiology of a Behavioral Treatment for Cocaine Dependence

Inclusion Criteria

• Males or females between 21 and 45 years old
• Fulfill DSMIV criteria for cocaine abuse or dependence
• Able to give informed consent and comply with study procedures
• Medically Healthy

Exclusion Criteria

• Major DSM-IV Axis I disorder other than cocaine abuse or dependence. Subjects with a history of other psychostimulant abuse/dependence or compulsive gambling will be excluded.
• Current use of opiates, sedative-hypnotic, and/or cannabis more than twice a week (use less than twice a week is acceptable).
• Current use of psychotropic medication such as antipsychotics or antidepressants.
• Presence or positive history of severe medical or neurological illness (including epilepsy), or any cardiovascular disease, low hemoglobin (Hb 2-3 times normal. Chronic active hepatitis B or C will also be an exclusion criteria.
• Resting SBP >150, DBP > 90
• Pregnancy or lactation, lack of effective birth control during 15 days before the scans*
• Evidence /report of any heart abnormality during intake medical history, EKG or physical exam.
• Metal implants or paramagnetic objects contained within the body which may interfere with the MRI scan, as determined in consultation with a neuroradiologist and according to the guidelines set forth in the following reference book commonly used by neuroradiologists: "Guide to MR procedures and metallic objects" Shellock, PhD, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, NY 2001.
• Lifetime exposure to radiation in the workplace, or history of participation in nuclear medicine procedures, including research protocols **
• Positive Allen Test indicating lack of collateral blood flow to hand
• History of sensitivity to methylphenidate