How chronic alcohol use affects pain sensitivity
Official title: Neural intersection of chronic alcohol exposure and pain
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-10902527 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how drinking too much alcohol can make people feel more pain, especially when they stop drinking, and it aims to find out how the brain is involved in this process to help develop better treatments for those with alcohol use disorder.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $48,974 |
| NIH project number | 1F31AA031431-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10902527 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a history of alcohol use disorder who experience heightened pain sensitivity.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have alcohol use disorder or do not experience pain related to alcohol withdrawal may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between chronic alcohol exposure and pain sensitivity, particularly during alcohol withdrawal. It focuses on understanding how alcohol use disorder (AUD) can lead to heightened pain experiences and how certain brain pathways are involved in this process. By studying animal models, the research aims to uncover the mechanisms that contribute to pain in individuals with AUD, potentially leading to new treatment strategies. The study will explore specific brain regions and receptors that may play a role in pain modulation related to alcohol use.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved pain management strategies for individuals suffering from alcohol use disorder.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the neurobiological mechanisms of pain related to alcohol use, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Brandner, Adam Joseph — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Brandner, Adam Joseph
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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.