The nature of the neurological and cerebrovascular deficits in cocaine abus
ers and whether they persist in abstinence is unclear. Blood flow velocity
of the anterior and middle cerebral arteries was measured within 3 days and
again after about 28 days after being admitted to an inpatient research wa
rd to determine whether blood flow velocity improved during monitored absti
nence conditions. The mean, systolic, and diastolic velocities as well as t
he pulsatility index in middle and anterior cerebral arteries significantly
differed between controls and cocaine abusers (p < .05). Cerebrovascular r
esistance is increased in cocaine abusers and the increase persists for ove
r a month of abstinence. Further research is needed to determine whether ce
rebrovascular resistance can be improved by pharmacological manipulations a
nd whether improved blood flow relates to improved treatment outcome.