Effects of Modafinil in Methamphetamine Dependence

Methamphetamine dependence is a serious public health problem with no pharmacologic
treatments currently available. Relapse rates are high in this population. Exposure to
cues previously associated with methamphetamine use may induce profound craving in abstinent
individuals. Chronic methamphetamine abuse is associated with selective cognitive deficits
that may undermine successful participation in psychosocial treatments. Medications which
improve cognitive deficits in methamphetamine-dependent individuals may improve abstinence
rates, especially in the critical early period of recovery. Modafinil is an atypical
stimulant medication with evidence to support its use in treating cocaine dependence and
attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. The proposed studies are designed to evaluate
modafinil as a potential treatment for methamphetamine dependence and its cognitive
sequelae.