Cognitive Enhancement and Relapse Prevention in Cocaine Addiction

For this project, the investigators are interested in exploring a new way to extend and
maintain drug abstinence in people who are addicted to crack cocaine. This study will
combine a medication called D-Cycloserine (DCS) and weekly cognitive behavioral therapy
(CBT) to assess whether the combination will enhance people's ability to stay clean (drug
free) for longer periods of time.

One of the greatest risks for drug relapse is drug craving. Oftentimes drug craving occurs
when a person is confronted with stressors and reminders of past drug use behavior. DCS has
been shown to enhance the learning of new information. By administering DCS prior to
learning new techniques such as how to cope with drug craving and drug-use reminders, it is
possible that patients can be more successful at living a drug free life for a longer period
of time.

In addition to exploring this model behaviorally, the investigators will explore changes
that may occur in the brain before and after the therapy/medication intervention. A
technique called MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) will be used to identify areas of the
brain that are being activated during an attention task. Areas of neural activation will be
assessed at study entry, end of therapy (4-week endpoint) and one month following completion
of the treatment program.