Effects of long-term fentanyl use after mild brain injuries in veterans

The impact of prolonged fentanyl exposure after mild traumatic brain injury on stress associated behaviors

NIH-funded research VA Puget Sound Healthcare System · NIH-11083153

This study is looking at how long-term use of fentanyl might impact veterans with mild brain injuries from blasts, focusing on how it relates to anxiety and substance use, and it hopes to find ways to help by testing a specific gene in mice.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionVA Puget Sound Healthcare System NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Seattle, United States)
Project IDNIH-11083153 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how prolonged exposure to fentanyl affects veterans who have suffered mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI) from repeated blast exposures. It aims to understand the relationship between mTBI, opioid use, and the development of anxiety-like behaviors and substance use disorders. By using a mouse model, the study will explore whether inhibiting a specific gene can reduce these risks. The findings could provide insights into better treatment options for veterans facing these challenges.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are veterans who have experienced mild traumatic brain injuries and are at risk for prolonged opioid use.

Not a fit: Patients who have not experienced mild traumatic brain injuries or who are not opioid users may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies for veterans dealing with the long-term effects of mild traumatic brain injuries and opioid use.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of this research is novel, there is existing literature that supports the investigation of the effects of opioids on anxiety and substance use disorders.

Where this research is happening

Seattle, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.