Rats were trained to self-administer intravenous heroin by pressing a lever. When they no longer received heroin, the rats greatly reduced the number of times they pressed on the lever. Rats were then subjected to one of several situations, previously shown to induce heroin seeking 1 day of food deprivation, re-exposure to heroin, or mild intermittent footshock stress and then tested to see if they would resume their drug seeking. Drug seeking in the food-deprived rats was greatly reduced following administration of leptin. Conversely, leptin did not dampen drug seeking in rats that had received either intermittent footshock stress or heroin injections.
Many people suffering from eating disorders also have drug addiction problems.
This study suggests that medications that target brain systems involved in energy balance and food consumption may be useful in treating these individuals. The researchers, Drs. To combat this abuse, NIDA is recognizing National Inhalants and Poisons Awareness Week during the third week in March by publicizing the availability of science-based informational materials on inhalant abuse. Inhalants are substances whose vapors can be inhaled to produce a mind-altering effect. Inhalants often are among the first drugs that young children use.