(New York, NY) -- Cocaine addicts might be able to kick the habit by using willpower.

Researchers at the Brookhaven National Laboratory in New York used brain scans to map the reactions of addicts to a video showing drug use.

As expected, the video triggered activity in areas of the brain that experience and anticipate rewards.

They then asked patients to control their cravings, and activity in those same brain regions slowed dramatically.

Experts say these findings could be useful in fighting other cravings, such as gambling or eating too much.

Scientists have been working on a vaccine to help people avoid drug addiction, but researchers now say a non-drug approach could be just as valuable.

　

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