How a brain area connects stress and nicotine cravings

Who could benefit from this research

What this research studies

We know that stress can make addiction worse and cause relapses, and that a brain area called the interpeduncular nucleus (IPN) is important for nicotine's effects. This project aims to understand how the IPN responds to stress and contributes to stress-related behaviors. We believe that when someone is dependent on nicotine, this brain area might not work correctly, leading to stronger stress responses and cravings. By studying this connection, we hope to uncover new ways to help people manage nicotine addiction.

Why it matters

Where this research is happening

• Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
  Worcester, United States Active

Researchers

• Principal investigator: Tapper, Andrew R — Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
• Study coordinator: Tapper, Andrew R

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

• Interpeduncular brain circuit links stress and nicotine use

  A study in rodents will explore how a specific brain circuit (IPN) that reacts to stress may influence nicotine intake and anxiety related to nicotine withdrawal.

  NIH research Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester · Worcester, United States · NIH-11357563

• Understanding how the brain's insular cortex affects nicotine addiction

  This study is looking at how a specific part of the brain helps mice that are addicted to nicotine feel cravings and withdrawal, which could help us understand addiction better and find ways to reduce the urge to smoke.

  NIH research Harvard Medical School · Boston, United States · NIH-11051187

• Targeting brain circuits to help people with schizophrenia quit smoking

  This study is looking at how certain brain areas related to nicotine cravings can be helped with a special treatment called brain stimulation, to make it easier for people with schizophrenia to quit smoking.

  NIH research Vanderbilt University Medical Center · Nashville, United States · NIH-11014359

• How people puff IQOS Iluma i vs IQOS 2.4 and how flavors feel

  This study tests how exclusive IQOS users puff the newer Iluma i versus the older 2.4, and whether preferred flavor affects puffing and sensory experience.

  Recruiting at 2 sites American University of Beirut Medical Center · Beirut, Beirut and 1 other locations · NCT07712887

• Do a single nicotine pouch affect cigarette craving and brain response to smoking cues

  This study tests whether a single 6 mg oral nicotine pouch can reduce craving and alter prefrontal brain responses to smoking cues in adults who smoke cigarettes.

  Recruiting University of Southern California · Los Angeles, California · NCT07698470

• TUBSIS 2.0 — an online program to help adults reduce or quit smoking and vaping

  This program tests whether a free, anonymous, 4-week web-based course using mindfulness, self-compassion, and behavior-change techniques helps German-, English-, and Turkish-speaking adults who smoke or vape reduce or quit tobacco.

  Recruiting University of Zurich · Zurich · NCT07568483

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.