Daily Rotigotine Patch to Enhance Behavioral Therapy for Cocaine Use Disorder Recovery in Veterans

Principal Investigator: Dr. James Bjork

Disease: Cocaine Use Disorder

Research Description: Veterans suffer from substance abuse at a higher rate than civilians. Cocaine Use Disorder (CUD) is a devastating condition with frequent relapse, and veterans can have more severe complications due to co-existing chronic pain and PTSD. No FDA-approved medicines are currently available to treat CUD. Previous research has shown that impaired executive brain function, which helps with self-control, has been linked to poor treatment outcomes in CUD. To improve executive function, the research team is pairing transdermal rotigotine (Neupro), a dopamine system medication approved for Parkinson’s disease, with cognitive behavioral therapy to improve cocaine abstinence by increasing executive function. This new veterans-focused arm of an ongoing randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial presents a significant opportunity to enhance the provision of care for veterans struggling with CUD and could help these patients attain sobriety.

​Funding Partners: The Kalhert Foundation and others

CWR Funding Role: Participating