How amphetamines affect brain signaling in addiction

Synaptic Actions of Amphetamine in the Striatum

NIH-funded research New York State Psychiatric Institute Dba Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, INC · NIH-11042869

This study looks at how amphetamines affect the brain's dopamine system, which plays a big role in addiction, to help us understand what happens in the brain during addiction and find new ways to treat it.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionNew York State Psychiatric Institute Dba Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, INC NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-11042869 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how amphetamines influence dopamine signaling in the striatum, a key brain region involved in addiction. It examines both the fast and slow mechanisms by which amphetamines release dopamine and how this affects various receptors in the brain. By focusing on the synaptic connections between dopamine, GABA, and glutamate, the study aims to understand the changes that occur in the brain's circuitry during addiction. This could provide insights into the underlying mechanisms of addictive behaviors and potential treatment targets.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals struggling with addiction to psychostimulants like amphetamines.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have a history of substance use disorders or those not affected by psychostimulant addiction may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for treating addiction by targeting specific brain signaling pathways.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of dopamine signaling in addiction, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.

Where this research is happening

New York, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Conditions addictive disorder
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.