How diet affects drug preference and addiction behavior

Mechanisms of diet modulating experience-dependent amphetamine preference

['FUNDING_CAREER'] · NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY AT CHICAGO · NIH-11053547

This study is looking at how what we eat might affect addiction behaviors, especially with drugs like amphetamines, using fruit flies to help us understand how our gut and brain communicate about these substances, which could lead to better ways to help people with substance use issues.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_CAREER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorNORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY AT CHICAGO (nih funded)
Locations1 site (CHICAGO, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11053547 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates how dietary factors influence addiction behaviors, particularly in relation to amphetamines. By using fruit flies as a model organism, the study aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms of gut-brain communication that affect dopamine signaling and drug preference. The research will involve developing assays to measure how different diets impact the flies' responses to amphetamines, providing insights that could lead to new treatment strategies for substance use disorders.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals struggling with substance use disorders, particularly those related to amphetamines.

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

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new dietary-based interventions for treating substance use disorders.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the relationship between diet and addiction behaviors, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

CHICAGO, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: addictive disorder

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.