How circadian rhythms affect cocaine use disorder
Circadian Rhythms and Cocaine Use Disorder
This study is looking at how the body's natural clock affects cocaine addiction, exploring whether the time of day someone uses the drug can change their cravings and chances of relapse, with the hope of finding better ways to help people recover.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wake Forest University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Winston-Salem, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11110370 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between circadian rhythms and cocaine use disorder, focusing on how the timing of drug use may influence addiction behaviors. By studying both human and animal models, the research aims to uncover how daily fluctuations in neurotransmitter systems, particularly dopamine, affect drug-seeking behavior and relapse. The approach includes examining the biological mechanisms that regulate these rhythms and their impact on addiction. This could lead to new insights into treatment strategies that consider the timing of drug administration.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals struggling with cocaine use disorder who may benefit from tailored treatment approaches based on their circadian rhythms.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have a cocaine use disorder or those with other substance use disorders unrelated to cocaine may not receive benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatment strategies for cocaine use disorder by aligning interventions with patients' biological rhythms.
How similar studies have performed: While there is some existing research on circadian rhythms and addiction, this specific focus on cocaine use disorder and phasic dopamine release is relatively novel and untested.
Where this research is happening
Winston-Salem, United States
- Wake Forest University Health Sciences — Winston-Salem, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ferris, Mark J — Wake Forest University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Ferris, Mark J
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.