Exploring how alcohol and cannabis interact in pain and alcohol use disorder.
Official title: Alcohol-Cannabinoid System Interactions in the Context of Pain and AUD
Funded at Lsu Health Sciences Center · NIH-10998061 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how alcohol use disorder and chronic pain are connected, and it’s exploring whether cannabis, especially THC, can help manage pain for people dealing with both issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Lsu Health Sciences Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Orleans, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $40,827 |
| NIH project number | 1F30AA031900-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10998061 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with alcohol use disorder who also experience chronic pain.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have alcohol use disorder or chronic pain may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between alcohol use disorder (AUD) and chronic pain, focusing on how cannabis, particularly its main component THC, may influence pain management in individuals with AUD. The study aims to understand the neurobiological mechanisms involved, particularly in the extended amygdala, which is linked to stress and pain responses. By examining how cannabis may either alleviate or exacerbate pain and alcohol dependence, the research seeks to fill a critical gap in treatment options for patients suffering from these interconnected issues.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved pain management strategies for individuals with alcohol use disorder.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in using cannabis for pain management, but this specific interaction with alcohol dependence is less explored.
Where this research is happening
-
Lsu Health Sciences Center
New Orleans, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lee, Sumin — Lsu Health Sciences Center
- Study coordinator: Lee, Sumin
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.