Opiate Addiction Study, Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre

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Drug addiction is a major public health issue, characterized by intense cravings and compulsive drug-taking. This apparent loss of control over drug intake, even in the face of adverse consequences (e.g. health, relationship, financial, legal etc), suggests that some addicts have problems making decision such that they are unable to inhibit the strong urges associated with exposure to drugs and related paraphernalia. Previous experience has shown that indeed some individuals with addictive problems do have decision-making difficulties. In this project we will use brain imaging and neurophysiological techniques, as well as tests of cognition (thinking) to assess the relationship between the brain’s processing of drug cues and the integrity of the brain’s inhibitory system (i.e. your mental brakes) in opiate addiction. Sixty participants were recruited from the general community (e.g., advertising at chemists), as well as primary drug and alcohol services, as well as from Medical Professionals with a licence to prescribe Opiate Substitution Therapy. The project findings will provide a clearer understanding of the role of cues and inhibitory processes in the decision making of addicted individuals, allowing for the development of more targeted treatment strategies.