New Cocaine Vaccine?

Between the violence and deaths associated with cocaine dealing and the abuse of the drug, one thing is evident; cocaine has historically been a problem in the United States since the 1970’s. Cocaine has found its way into the mainstream and still to this day many people struggle with the addiction/dependence of cocaine. But good news in the medical field has shed light for cocaine addicts. In the first of its kind, a vaccination may soon be available for those persons addicted to cocaine, nicotine and heroin to help repress cravings and eventually kick the habit. A lasting anti-cocaine immunity in mice has been discovered by administering a safe vaccine that combines elements of the common cold virus with a particle that mimics cocaine. This new treatment method hooks a chemical that is very similar in structure to cocaine onto components of the common cold virus. The human immune system is not only alerted to an infectious virus, but also learns to see the cocaine as an intruder as well.

A common myth is that cocaine is not addictive because it lacks the physical withdrawal symptoms seen in alcohol or heroin addiction. Cocaine has powerful psychological addictive properties. The trend in drug abuse in the United States is presently multiple abuse, and cocaine is no exception. Cocaine is often used with alcohol, sedatives such as Valium, Ativan, or heroin, as an upper/downer combination. If you or a loved one in the Boston, Massachusetts (MA) community struggle with cocaine abuse, then rehabilitation treatment should be the next step. Behavioral interventions like cognitive-behavioral therapy have been shown to be effective for decreasing cocaine use and preventing relapse. Add the potential of this new cocaine vaccine, and the combination of therapy and medication combating cocaine addiction seems like a very feasible accomplishment in the near future. But even if this vaccine works and becomes available, the fact remains that in order to stop your cocaine abuse, you must truly want to stop. This vaccine wouldn’t be used as some kind of ‘magic medicine’ that you take once and you’ll never want to do cocaine again. You have to be committed to the full recovery process and hopefully this vaccine could potentially make that process easier for patients.

At Seabrook, we know that treatment must be tailored to the individual patient’s needs in order to optimize outcomes—and for cocaine addicts this often involves a combination of treatment, social supports, and other services. People in Boston, Massachusetts (MA) who are searching for the right place to begin their recovery should highly consider Seabrook–one of the best rehabilitation centers on the east coast. Seabrook is an internationally recognized private and exclusive inpatient drug rehab and alcoholism detoxification treatment center who has achieved an elite CARF accreditation status, ensuring that rehab patients receive the highest quality treatment. Seabrook is located in rural Bridgeton, New Jersey (NJ)—roughly a 6 hour drive or about an hour flight from Boston, Massachusetts (MA). Committing to recovery is admirable and the expert treatment team at Seabrook will help you succeed!