The effects of abstinence on EEG power and attention in cocaine use disorder

The purpose of this study is to compare the brain processes involved in attention of current cocaine users and those who have been abstinent for at least one month. These brain responses are expected to help us understand how the brain recovers after no longer using cocaine and to identify attentional problems that can be addressed in future treatments.

In this study we will use an electroencephalogram (EEG) machine to measure participants’ brain electrical responses while they complete a computer task that measures their ability to follow instructions and pay attention to images. Potential participants will attend an in-person visit where they will fill out paperwork and be interviewed to determine if they are a good fit for the study. Eligible participants will then complete an additional 2-hour visit where they will have the EEG exam. In addition to undergoing an EEG, participants will provide urine samples to test for drugs, a breathalyzer to test for alcohol, and complete questionnaires about cocaine craving levels.