For the study, researchers performed magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of the brains of 27 individuals addicted to cocaine and a group of non-users of the same age and background. From the scans, the researchers created 3D images of the brain to examine the volume of the amygdala in participants. The amygdala is an almond-shaped section of the brain strongly involved in emotional response.

According to the findings, the amygdala in cocaine users was 13 percent smaller on the left side of the brain and 23 percent smaller on the right side than in non-users.

The study's findings are published in the Nov. 18, 2004 isssue of the journal Neuron.

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