Fig. 5. Mean levels and standard errors of the mean for noradrenaline, ACTH, and cortisol during the Cocaine-Cue-Video.

Gray shaded areas indicate the Cocaine-Cue-Video. Values were normalized by subtracting the stress levels measured at T₁ (−20 min) from all other values to facilitate interpretation of the stress reaction independently of effects of the circadian rhythm or baseline differences (T₀). The Cocaine-Cue-Video did not induce a neuroendocrine stress response. CU = Cocaine users; HC = Healthy controls. CU Craving pre Stress: *p < 0.05; **p < 0.01; ***p < 0.001; CU Craving pre Stress time² vs. CU Craving post Stress: ^‡p < 0.05. Noradrenaline: CU Craving pre Stress: n = 20; CU Craving post Stress: n = 21; HC Craving pre Stress: n = 17; HC Craving post Stress: n = 19. ACTH and cortisol: CU Craving pre Stress: n = 20; CU Craving post Stress: n = 22; HC Craving pre Stress: n = 17; HC Craving post Stress: n = 19.