Bile acid receptor agonism for treating addiction

Abstract

Compositions and methods for treating addiction in a subject are disclosed. In particular, compositions and methods for treating addiction to a dopaminergic psychostimulant are disclosed. In some embodiments, addiction is treated by agonizing bile acid receptors in the subject. For example, in some embodiments, the method comprises administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a bile acid receptor agonist. In some embodiments, the method comprises surgically diverting bile acids in the subject in a manner suitable to increase circulating bile acids in the subject.

1 - 8 . (canceled) 
     
     
         9 . A composition comprising a bile acid agonist in a therapeutically effective amount to treat addiction to a dopaminergic psychostimulant in a subject. 
     
     
         10 . The composition of  claim 9 , formulated for oral administration. 
     
     
         11 . The composition of  claim 9 , wherein the bile acid receptor agonist is selected from the group consisting of cholic acid (CA), lithocholic (LCA), taurolithocholic acid (TLCA), deoxycholic acid (DCA), chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA), ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), linolenic acid, oleanolic acid, betulinic acid, or any combination thereof. 
     
     
         12 . The composition of  claim 9 , wherein the bile acid receptor agonist is selected from the group consisting of procyanidin extract, cafestol, or a combination thereof. 
     
     
         13 . The composition of  claim 9 , wherein the bile acid receptor agonist is a synthetic bile acid receptor agonist. 
     
     
         14 . The composition of  claim 13 , wherein the bile acid receptor agonist comprises obeticholic acid.