Researchers at the Scripps Research Institute in Florida got a bunch of mice addicted to meth. (It’s tough to be a mouse in this world.) But when they blocked a process in the brain that helps them form memories, the mice were no longer interested in the drug. “Our goal is to develop a pill that recovering addicts can use to erase memories associated with drugs,” says Courtney Miller, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Neuroscience at The Scripps Research Institute, and author of the study. Since relapse rates are high, and treatment options are few, Dr. Miller hopes that blocking drug-related memories will eliminate cravings and help people overcome addiction. “But this isn’t something that should be exploited beyond severe psychiatric disorders,” she adds. So, sadly, you won’t be able to delete your ex from your memory anytime soon. More from Prevention: Why You Can’t Remember Names?
