Cocaine addicts can control their cravings by willpower alone, researchers reported yesterday in a study that suggests the right training may help abusers kick the habit.

They said their volunteers could control cravings even when exposed to cues that make people want to use the stimulant, such as the sight of drug paraphernalia.

While scientists are working on vaccines or drugs that can help users avoid cocaine and other addictive drugs, the team at Brookhaven National Laboratory in Upton, NY, said their finding suggests a nondrug approach may also help.