Overview of potential treatment medications for cocaine dependence.

The search for a pharmacotherapeutic agent for the treatment of cocaine dependence began in the early 1980s as clinicians and researchers realized that the cocaine epidemic was growing rapidly and that standard drug counseling and self-help groups made little impact on the addiction for many cocaine abusers. Cocaine was initially viewed as a recreational drug for the wealthy with limited negative consequences for the majority of users (Grinspoon and Bakalar 1980). The widespread availability of cocaine and increased prevalence of more addictive routes of administration (intravenous (IV) and smoked) have resulted in cocaine abuse and dependence becoming one of the most serious public health problems in the United States. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) estimates that at least 2 million persons are cocaine abusers and that 1 to 3 million persons are in need of treatment (Kozel and Adams 1985).