Inhibition of aldehyde dehydrogenase-2 suppresses cocaine seeking by generating THP, a cocaine use–dependent inhibitor of dopamine synthesis

ALDH-2 inhibitors are a potential treatment for alcohol addiction. Now, Lina Yao et al. show that ALDH-2 inhibitors can reduce addiction to cocaine in rats by generating a dopamine metabolite called THP. THP inhibits an enzyme involved in dopamine synthesis, thereby blocking dopamine production in response to cocaine.