How alcohol affects stress-related brain circuits
Official title: Alcohol-induced changes in stress-related neuropeptide circuitry
Funded at Drexel University · NIH-10509944 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how drinking alcohol affects stress-related brain systems and whether men and women respond differently, hoping to learn more about why some people may feel more anxious or drink differently when they have alcohol use issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Drexel University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $397,712 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AA030361-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10509944 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing alcohol use disorders, particularly those who may have anxiety symptoms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not consume alcohol or do not have any anxiety-related conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of alcohol use on the brain's stress-related neuropeptide systems, particularly focusing on sex differences in alcohol use disorders. It aims to understand how alcohol consumption alters the activity of specific neuropeptides in the central nucleus of the amygdala, which is crucial for stress responses. By using animal models, the study will explore how these changes may lead to increased anxiety and different drinking behaviors between males and females. The findings could provide insights into the underlying mechanisms of alcohol use disorders and their effects on mental health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for alcohol use disorders and related anxiety conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the neurobiological mechanisms of alcohol use disorders, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Drexel University
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Reyes, Beverly — Drexel University
- Study coordinator: Reyes, Beverly
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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.