Exploring new ways to change how people value alcohol
Testing Reinforcer Pathology: Mechanisms and Interventions to Change Alcohol Valuation
This study is exploring a new way to help people with alcohol use disorder by looking at how the importance they place on alcohol changes over time, with the goal of finding better ways to support them in cutting back on drinking.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Blacksburg, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10679071 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel approach to understanding and treating alcohol use disorder (AUD) by examining how the perceived value of alcohol changes over time. It focuses on the concept of reinforcer pathology, which suggests that the value of alcohol can be influenced by the length of time individuals consider their choices. The study employs various methods, including behavioral experiments, outpatient field studies, neuroimaging, and computational modeling, to assess and modify alcohol valuation in individuals with AUD. By manipulating the temporal window of decision-making, the research aims to develop innovative interventions that could help individuals reduce their alcohol consumption.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with alcohol use disorder who are seeking new treatment options.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have alcohol use disorder or those who are not interested in changing their alcohol consumption may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies that help individuals with alcohol use disorder reduce their alcohol consumption and improve their overall health.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in using similar behavioral and neuroimaging approaches to understand addiction, suggesting that this framework may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
Blacksburg, United States
- Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ — Blacksburg, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Laconte, Stephen M — Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ
- Study coordinator: Laconte, Stephen M
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 below.