Tests show drug attacks willpower

BRAIN scans carried out by Irish researchers have revealed that cocaine attacks the willpower and judgment of people addicted to the drug.

Scientists at Trinity College Dublin have used sophisticated imaging equipment to show cocaine alters parts of the brain responsible for controlling behaviour and judging risk.

A research team in Trinity College — led by Dr Hugh Garavan — carried out research on dependent cocaine users in the US, involving the administration of pure cocaine in hospitals, followed by a series of computer tasks aimed at measuring impulse control. This was then compared against a control group of non-users.