Modafinil as a Treatment for Substance Abuse

In this article, we’ll go over what Modafinil is, how Modafinil can be used as a treatment for substance abuse, and some additional medical and off-label uses it is good for.

The brain is comprised of multiple structural connections and systems. As such, the human brain is incredibly complex and requires a lot of care. These systems require a delicate balance in order to keep us functioning optimally. Within these systems exist , all firing day in and day out. Rain or shine, these neurons communicate in order to keep all systems within the brain and the body functioning at optimal levels.

When the balance of said systems gets thrown off, conditions such as impulsiveness, inattention, and addiction begin to manifest.

While there is no one specific remedy, certain prescription medications can be used to help the brain deal with issues such as impulsiveness and addiction. There are numerous prescriptions and supplements available today that can positively impact cognitive functioning. One particular medication, Modafinil, shows promise as a treatment for a number of conditions.

To start…

What is Modafinil?

Modafinil is a prescription drug that was primarily formulated to treat sleep-disordered issues such as narcolepsy, sleep apnea, and sleepiness related to nighttime shift work.

This prescription is generally classified under what is known as a wakefulness-promoting agent. Hence its ability to treat sleep disorders. Since its release, it has been found to be effective against a number of additional brain health problems. How exactly does it treat such issues?

Modafinil is a stimulant that focuses on the central nervous system (aka the brain and spinal cord). It helps make crucial chemical messengers like dopamine and serotonin more available in the brain. This is important as a lack of such chemicals leads to imbalances mentioned above, such as ADHD, narcolepsy, or addiction.

It is occasionally classified as a nootropic alongside its stimulant classification. While the parameters for nootropic efficacy vary from person to person, nootropics are generally known as being helpful for enhancing cognition.

Some of the specific domains of the brain that Modafinil targets include the:

• Amygdala
• Hypothalamus
• Hippocampus
• Nucleus Accumbens

Each of these domains play a part in addiction and substance abuse. In this next section, we’ll take a look at how Modafinil has been used as a treatment for various brain health issues.

Modafinil and Addiction

Let’s recall Modafinil’s classification as a stimulant. Stimulants are formulated to increase neurotransmitters within the brain. When certain neurotransmitters are heightened, effects of alertness, happiness, and overall good mood are felt. Addiction tends to skew these balanced feelings, causing the brain to crave more and more of a substance in order to experience feelings like happiness or alertness once more.

As it relates to addiction, Modafinil is thought to work by lessening withdrawal symptoms such as lethargy, depression, and lack of concentration.

Cocaine Addiction

When it comes to cocaine addiction, Modafinil might be one treatment option. In a study published by the National Library of Medicine, cocaine-dependent participants were assessed during a 16-week period.

In this study, Modafinil was found to be effective for participants in reducing cravings for cocaine when combined with behavioral therapy. For cocaine users, Modafinil was found to be effective in increasing consecutive non-use days in addition to the reduction in cocaine cravings.

A large part of what causes some to relapse when it comes to cocaine addiction is the lack of energy, mood, and focus that was previously felt with cocaine use. Modafinil works to enhance and restore such feelings to prevent relapse.

Methamphetamine Addiction

Methamphetamines are highly addictive substances. Whether it is a prescribed drug or an illegal substance, methamphetamines deliver intense feelings of euphoria. Our brains are not meant to be overloaded to the degree in which methamphetamines flood the brain with that euphoric feeling.

To maintain such a euphoric state, the body begins to crave that new balance of feeling. Thus, addiction starts to form. Such intensity is extremely difficult to pull away from. The brain craves a certain level of dopamine that can only be found with continual use of the substance in question.

Modafinil used for treatment during withdrawal from methamphetamines works similarly to that of cocaine addiction.

A 16-week study was administered to measure Modafinil’s effectiveness against methamphetamine dependence.

While the study was deemed inconclusive, some positives emerged. Information was gathered that the duration of abstaining from use did increase in the Modafinil group compared to the placebo group. Again, because Modafinil has stimulant properties. It can help create balance in a brain experiencing withdrawals from previous surges in unnatural dopamine levels.

Alcohol dependence

While addiction does not discriminate and can manifest in anyone. Some factors may come into play more than others. One of which relates to impulse control. Alcoholism and lack of impulse control, unfortunately, go hand in hand.

What one study aimed to outline was whether Modafinil would be effective in helping control impulsiveness as it is related to excessive drinking behaviour.

The study included self-reported questionnaires and cognitive tasks administered before, during, and after treatment. Results found that Modafinil tended to help those who self-reported impulsivity. However, it did not have a significant effect on abstinence overall. Nor was it found to have helped with relapse.

The Focused Treatment Abilities of Modafinil

Each of the addictions mentioned above might manifest due to factors such as health history, genes, social pressures, academic challenges. The list goes on. However, underlying neurological problems can be considered one of the main reasons for addictive tendencies.

Modafinil seeks to address such neurological deficits by creating a harmonious balance within the brain. Prescriptions can be key in preventing relapse and strengthening those ever-crucial neurotransmitters our brains require to function optimally.

Addiction is a disease, not a moral failing. There is still much to learn about this prescription medication. Modafinil might be an excellent option for some who need a little help on their way to ultimate healing.