Changing how the brain remembers drug use to help prevent relapse
Official title: Transcriptional reprogramming of drug-associated memories in the nucleus accumbens
Funded at University of Florida · NIH-10982693 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how we can change the memories linked to drug use in the brain to help people stay away from drugs, and it aims to find better ways to support those in recovery from substance use disorders.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $178,416 |
| NIH project number | 7K01DA054306-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10982693 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals struggling with substance use disorders who have previously undergone treatment but are at risk of relapse.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not currently experiencing substance use issues or those who have not engaged in any form of treatment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how memories associated with drug use can be altered in the brain to help individuals maintain abstinence from substances. It focuses on the nucleus accumbens, a brain region involved in regulating these memories and the ability to resist drug-seeking behavior. By understanding the molecular changes that occur during the process of forgetting drug-associated cues, the research aims to develop strategies that could enhance the effectiveness of therapies for substance use disorders. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to improved treatment options for preventing relapse.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that help individuals with substance use disorders maintain their recovery and avoid relapse.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in altering drug-associated memories, suggesting that this approach could lead to significant advancements in treatment for substance use disorders.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Florida
Gainesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Martinez-Rivera, Freddyson J — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Martinez-Rivera, Freddyson J
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.