A ROLE FOR SENSITIZATION IN CRAVING AND RELAPSE IN COCAINE ADDICTION

Sensitization to cocaine refers to the behavioral model of cocaine add iction where the motor stimulant effect of cocaine is augmented for mo nths after discontinuing a regimen of repeated cocaine injections. The re has been speculation that the neuroadaptations mediating this sensi tization phenomenon may, in part, underlie the behavioral changes prod uced by chronic cocaine abuse, including paranoia, craving and relapse . Criteria are proposed that may assist in determining which neuroadap tations are most relevant in this regard. Using these criteria, a mode l is presented that endeavors to incorporate neuroadaptations issuing directly from the pharmacological effects of cocaine and those arising from learned associations the organism makes with the cocaine injecti on procedure and pharmacological actions. It is proposed that the phar macological neuroadaptations predominate in the manifestation of cocai ne-induced paranoia, while the changes derived from learning may provi de more critical underpinnings for cocaine craving and relapse.