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Dopaminergic systems in the limbic striatum (including the nucleus accumbens) are crucial in reward systems, reward-based learning, and addictions. Because cocaine dependence has been associated with low limbic striatal dopamine levels, investigators examined associations between compulsive cocaine use, dopamine levels and release, and treatment response in 25 help-seeking, cocaine-dependent individuals.
The researchers compared positron emission tomography scans and co-registered magnetic resonance imaging scans at baseline and after 12 weeks of contingency-based treatment (which included monetary rewards for clean urine tests). Compared with 24 healthy controls, case subjects at baseline had lower binding of dopamine 2 and 3 receptors (D2/…