Does cocaine self-administration abolish associative neural encoding in the nucleus accumbens necessary for higher-order learning?
The NAc core and shell perform complementary roles in supporting normal associative learning, functions that are impaired after cocaine experience. This impoverished encoding of motivational behavior, even after abstinence from the drug, might provide a key mechanism to understand why addiction remains a chronically relapsing disorder despite repeated attempts at sobriety.
This pilot study indicates statins can reduce extensive thoracic atheromas and lower lipid concentrations.