Faster, smarter behavioral tests for alcohol and drug problems
Official title: Utility of adaptive design optimization for developing rapid and reliable behavioral paradigms for substance use disorders
Funded at Virginia Commonwealth University · NIH-11386167 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project will create shorter, computer-based tasks that quickly capture brain and behavior patterns linked to substance use problems for people with alcohol or other drug issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Commonwealth University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richmond, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $164,931 |
| NIH project number | 3R01DA058038-03S2 |
| Project ID | NIH-11386167 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal participants are adults with alcohol or other substance use problems who can complete brief computerized behavioral tasks and follow study procedures.
✕Less likely to help
People without substance use disorders, young children, or individuals unable to complete computer-based tasks (for example due to severe cognitive or sensory impairment) are unlikely to benefit directly from participation.
What this research studies
You would complete brief computer tasks that measure things like attention, motivation for rewards, and negative mood related to substance use. The team uses a smart, adaptive computer method (Bayesian adaptive design optimization) that picks the best next question based on your earlier answers so the test stays short but informative. They will adapt well-known tasks tied to the Addictions Neuroclinical Assessment (ANA) framework and improve reliability across repeated sessions. The goal is to make practical, reliable probes that researchers and clinicians can use to understand different kinds of addiction more quickly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could benefit from quicker and more reliable tests that help match people to better-targeted treatments and speed biomarker development.
How similar studies have gone: Adaptive and Bayesian methods have improved efficiency and precision in other cognitive and perceptual testing, but applying them to addiction-related neurobehavioral probes is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
-
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vassileva, Jasmin L — Virginia Commonwealth University
- Study coordinator: Vassileva, Jasmin L
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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.