The Effectiveness of Memory Reconsolidation Interference by Propranolol on Craving and Emotion in Heroin Abusers

A brief encounter with the cues associated with the drug leads to memory reconsolidation and disruption of drug memory by drug use can lead to memory update and reduced relapse.

This study aimed at determining the effectiveness of memory reconsolidation interference by propranolol on drug craving and its relationship with emotion in subjects with heroin use disorder.

This study was a quasi-experimental research with a pre-test-post-test and follow-up with a control group on 50 men (mean age 22 to 68 years) performed in Qom province addiction treatment camps in 2020. Data collection tools included demographic information questionnaire, structured diagnostic interview based on DSM.5, change readiness questionnaire, Bart impulsivity scale, computerized visual craving test, visual analog induction craving scale, and positive and negative emotion scale. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 24 and multivariate analysis of variance tests with repeated measures and Pearson correlation at a significance level of less than P< 0.05. For the experimental group 10 minutes later from retrieval, propranolol (40 mg) was prescribed and the control group did not receive medication.

Repeated measures analysis of variance showed that interference in drug abuse memory reconsolidation by propranolol significantly reduced heroin induction craving in the experimental group as compared with the control group (P< 0.001). However, no statistically significant relationship was observed in pretest (P= 0.223, P= 0.08), posttest (P= 0.225, P= 0.186), and follow-up (P= 0.555, P= 0.018) between craving and positive or negative emotions.
Discussion and

The results of this study showed that neuroscience innovations can be used for the treatment of addiction disorders.