Exploring how chronic pain affects the risk of opioid misuse using brain imaging
Official title: Understanding pain embodiment and opioid misuse risk in chronic pain using neuroimaging
Funded at University of Utah · NIH-11165238 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how people with chronic pain think about their pain and how that might affect their risk of misusing opioids, using brain scans to compare healthy people, those with chronic pain, and those who have recovered from it, all to help find better ways to treat pain and prevent opioid problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2025 |
| Project end | September 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $39,983 |
| NIH project number | 1F30DA063315-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11165238 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals suffering from chronic pain, as well as those who have recovered from chronic pain.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not experience chronic pain or have not been affected by opioid misuse may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between chronic pain and the risk of opioid misuse by examining how individuals perceive their pain through a concept called pain embodiment. Using advanced brain imaging techniques, the study will compare healthy individuals, those with chronic pain, and individuals who have recovered from chronic pain. The goal is to understand how the brain processes pain and how this may influence behaviors related to opioid use. By identifying these connections, the research aims to inform better treatment strategies for managing chronic pain and reducing opioid dependency.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved pain management strategies that reduce the reliance on opioids and lower the risk of misuse.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the relationship between pain perception and substance use, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shah, Karishma Kavita — University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Shah, Karishma Kavita
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Motor cortex tricks to ease chronic pain
A study in rodents and people tests whether non-invasive brain stimulation of the motor cortex can reduce chronic pain and how best to target it.
-
Human pain center study to map normal and migraine-trigeminal neurons
A large NIH-funded project will map and study the human trigeminal neurons involved in migraines to understand what changes in these cells during headache conditions.
-
Understanding human pain neurons to improve migraine care
Researchers are studying human pain-sensing neurons to uncover what makes migraine start and persist, with the goal of better treatments for people who experience migraines.
-
Whole Person Pain Algorithm to personalize chronic pain care
A new, evidence-based model helps explain why chronic low back pain affects people differently and could guide personalized diagnosis and treatment.
-
Understanding how to use pharmacogenomic testing to guide chronic pain care
This grant looks at how doctors who treat long‑term pain decide when and how to use genetic testing to tailor pain medicines for safer and more effective care.
-
Mindfulness and Self-Hypnosis for Pain in Older Adults
This grant tests non-drug ways like mindfulness and self-hypnosis to help people over 60 manage chronic pain.
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.