Immunotherapy for Cocaine Addiction; February 1997; Scientific American Magazine; by Landry; 4 Page(s)

The epidemic of cocaine abuse that has raged through the U.S. for more than a decade has left no part of the nation untouched. Millions take the drug, with medical consequences that include severe psychological disturbance and sudden heart attack. The social effects of illegal cocaine distribution have contributed to the devastation of many cities, draining both human and financial capital that might otherwise be put to productive use.

Many factors have contributed to the present crisis, including the social acceptance of drug taking, the ineffective antismuggling policies that have led to increased availability of inexpensive cocaine, and the development of a higherpotency, smokable form of the drug, "crack." Unfortunately, as a society we have not been able to reverse the tide, and biomedical science has thus far failed to offer a pharmacological solution.