How contraceptive hormones affect nicotine addiction in women
Official title: Contraceptive hormone impacts on the primary reinforcing and reward-enhancing effects of nicotine
Funded at University of Nebraska Lincoln · NIH-11115663 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how birth control hormones might make women more likely to become addicted to nicotine, helping us understand why some women smoke more and struggle to quit, so we can find better ways to support them in overcoming nicotine addiction.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Nebraska Lincoln NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lincoln, United States) |
| Project start | June 15, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $52,615 |
| NIH project number | 5R36DA059867-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11115663 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are premenopausal women who smoke or are at risk of nicotine addiction and use hormonal contraceptives.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not use hormonal contraceptives or are not female may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between contraceptive hormones and nicotine addiction, particularly focusing on how these hormones may increase vulnerability to nicotine use among women. The study aims to understand the mechanisms by which hormonal contraceptives influence nicotine's rewarding effects and contribute to higher smoking rates and relapse among female smokers. By examining both biological and environmental factors, the research seeks to uncover insights that could lead to better prevention and treatment strategies for nicotine addiction in women.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing and treating nicotine addiction in women, potentially reducing smoking-related health risks.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific interaction between contraceptive hormones and nicotine addiction is less explored, related research has shown that hormonal factors can influence addiction behaviors, indicating potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Nebraska Lincoln
Lincoln, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mcnealy, Kathleen — University of Nebraska Lincoln
- Study coordinator: Mcnealy, Kathleen
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.