How alcohol affects brain circuits involved in decision-making
Ethanol drinking and the basal ganglia circuitry
['FUNDING_R01'] · TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCE CTR · NIH-10819165
This study is looking at how drinking too much alcohol affects certain brain areas that help us make decisions, and it aims to find new ways to help people with alcohol use disorder make better choices again.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCE CTR (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (COLLEGE STATION, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-10819165 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of excessive alcohol consumption on specific brain circuits that are crucial for flexible decision-making. It focuses on the dorsomedial striatum, a part of the brain involved in regulating behaviors, and how alcohol alters the communication between different types of neurons in this area. By using advanced techniques, the study aims to understand the mechanisms behind compulsive drinking behaviors associated with alcohol use disorder. The ultimate goal is to identify new treatment strategies that can help restore normal decision-making processes in individuals affected by alcohol use disorder.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals struggling with alcohol use disorder who exhibit compulsive drinking behaviors.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have alcohol use disorder or those who are not currently consuming alcohol may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that improve decision-making and reduce compulsive drinking in individuals with alcohol use disorder.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the brain mechanisms of alcohol use disorder, but this specific approach is novel and aims to explore untested pathways.
Where this research is happening
COLLEGE STATION, UNITED STATES
- TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCE CTR — COLLEGE STATION, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: WANG, JUN — TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCE CTR
- Study coordinator: WANG, JUN
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.