Acute Cortisol Administration Triggers Craving in Individuals with Cocaine Dependence

Stress is often mentioned as a factor in the development of drug abuse. Twelve cocaine-dependent individuals were administered a stress hormone, cortisol, along with cocaine and saline via intravenous boluses in a double-blind, counterbalanced fashion. Self-reports of mood states were collected prior to, during, and 20 minutes after each bolus was administered. Cortisol produced significant increases in craving, while cocaine significantly elevated all subjective ratings (i.e., craving, high, rush, and low). These pilot data suggest that cortisol can induce a state associated with drug abuse. Psychopharmacology Bulletin. 2003;37(3):84-89