One of the greatest hurdles for rehab facilities to overcome when they are treating cocaine addicts is to head off cravings that could potentially lead to relapse. Fortunately, scientists believe that blocking memories that are associated with drug use may help reduce the number of addicts who turn back to drugs.

In one recent study conducted by University of Wisconsin researchers, common beta-blocker drugs, which are used for a wide range of medical treatments, were shown to prevent the brain from retrieving memories that are associated with drug use.

Researchers said that they believe treatment with these drugs could help cocaine addicts with "extinction learning," which involves replacing memories that are associated with the rewards of drug use with other memories that are not tied to destructive behaviors.

Cocaine is one of the world's most addictive drugs, and many addicts experience relapses on their road to recovery. When added to substance abuse treatment, medications to curb cravings could provide significant help to individuals who are trying to kick their habits.

The research team said that they would like to plan future studies to help get similar drugs approved by the FDA for use in treating addictions.