Research Identifies a way to Block Memories Associated with PTSD or Drug Addiction

February 08,2013

One thing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and drug addiction have in common is that old memories trigger outbreaks of both, namely: 1) the stress of the disorder and 2) the desire to do drugs...

Research Identifies a way to Block Memories Associated with PTSD or Drug Addiction

One thing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and drug addiction have in common is that old memories trigger outbreaks of both, namely: 1) the stress of the disorder and 2) the desire to do drugs. For people who suffer from one or both of these disorders, seeing, hearing, smelling and even tasting certain things can bring back memories that cause them to have trouble in daily life. Research conducted in Western University may have stumbled upon better treatments for both of these ailments.

Nicole Lauzon, a Ph.D candidate, performed research that could potentially help block the memories that are link to PTSD and drug addiction. She revealed that both afflictions are linked to a mechanism in the brain known as the pre-limbic cortex. This area of the brain controls the recall of memories, which are linked to both the traumatic experiences (which effect PTSD) and the rewarding memories that often causes relapse in recovering addicts.

The experiment for the research was conducted using a rat model. The neuroscientists experimented with a sub-type of dopamine receptors in the brain”known as œD1. It's believed that by stimulating this particular receptor, it's possible to completely prevent the recall of both types of memories associated with PTSD and drug addiction.

Lauzon explained that knowledge of this part of the brain, particularly the area that controls memories, is largely unknown and poorly understood. Here is the real breaking news: that the D1 receptor has actually responded accordingly in rats to suppress memories.

The researchers involved in the study originally expected that the experiments would end up ˜erasing' or blocking memories completely. The control of which memories are affected is still being tested and is still not very well understood however. Since total blockage of memories can have serious ethical adversity the researchers were pleasantly surprised to find that the targeted memories were not totally damaged. In fact, what they were able to do was stop obtrusive recollection of these traumatic memories. This means that sights, sounds and other sensory experiences which triggered these unpleasant memories were suppressed. However, should the person actually try to remember, they will be able to do so.

Although the research is still in the œanimal testing phase, and will take several years before it is approved for human tests, the data found here is ground breaking. As of now there is no truly effective treatment for those who suffer from PTSD and drug addiction, other than medication, which does not target the root of the problem. In the future, the research done by Nicole Lauzon and her colleagues could benefit thousands in a way that is simply revolutionizing.

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When a person suffers from a severe case of drug or alcohol addiction, the best method of treatment is seeking professional help at an addiction treatment facility. Licensed therapists and counselors are trained to conduct effective treatment for various kinds of addictions, as well as mental health issues and those suffering from psychological distress. For more information on addiction treatment services and available programs, please don't hesitate to reach us at:

Florida Center for Recovery “ Addiction Treatment Center: 1-800-960-5041

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