CPDD 78th Annual Scientific Meeting Program

SYMPOSIA
Monday, June 13
III.
Identifying system-level biomarkers of substance abuse using functional
connectivity of the brain
Chairs: Yihong Yang and Elliot Stein
Substance abuse is a complex neuropsychiatric disorder manifested as dysregulations
of multiple cognitive and affective constructs. Recent advances in neuroimaging have
shown promise in identifying system-level biomarkers that are closely associated with
the behavioral phenotype and may be potentially useful for individualized treatment
and predicting therapeutic outcome. In particular, brain functional connectivity,
derived from the synchronized fluctuations of the resting-state functional MRI signal
between brain regions, has undergone rapid technological developments and
consequently as a noninvasive imaging tool to assess neuroplasticity of brain circuits
and networks in various neuropsychiatric disorders. In this symposium, we will
present the latest developments in identifying imaging biomarkers of substance use
disorders using functional connectivity. The four speakers will present recent data
from their labs using a number of analytical approaches to understand the circuitry
underlying the abuse profile of cocaine, marijuana, alcohol and nicotine. Finally, these
recent developments will be discussed in view of emerging theory related to druginduced
imbalance of neuronal circuits. We will also discuss the potential value of
these imaging biomarkers 1) as therapeutic targets; 2) in the prediction of group or
subgroup membership and monitoring of treatment outcomes; and 3) in translational
and “back-translational” studies using preclinical models.
IV.
Cognitive function as a novel treatment target for drug addiction
Chairs: Mehmet Sofuoglu and Kathleen Carroll
The aim of this symposium is to review the promise of cognitive function as a novel
target for behavioral and pharmacological treatments for drug addiction. Results will
be presented showing that oral methylphenidate enhances performance and
underlying fronto-striatal function on tasks of inhibitory control and drive, and
resting-state functional connectivity, in cocaine addiction. Data will be shown from
randomized trials designed to determine whether engagement in daily technological
enhancements (interactive voice response or smartphone app), as a cognitiveenhancement
strategy, and brief interventions to reduce drug use were more effective
than brief interventions alone among drug users treated in HIV comprehensive care
settings. Following a brief overview of the potential utility of attentional retraining
interventions for addictions that aims to reverse attentional bias to drug cues, and
therefore cue-provoked craving and drug use, recent data in which cognitive biases for
cigarette smoking are assessed and modified on mobile devices will be presented.
Findings will be presented from a recently completed clinical trial that tested efficacy
of a cognitive enhancer, galantamine (a cholinesterase inhibitor) and computerized
cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT4CBT), alone and in combination, on treatment
outcome and cognitive functioning among cocaine users. A discussion of the
implications of these findings for developing novel treatment approaches for drug
addiction and providing future research directions will conclude the symposium.