How early resource scarcity affects addiction behaviors in adolescents
Official title: Determining the effect of early resource scarcity on adolescent addiction-related behavior and cell-type specific transcription
Funded at Georgia State University · NIH-10934371 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how growing up with fewer resources can affect young people's choices and behaviors related to addiction, using rats to see how it impacts their brains and their use of opioids, which could help us find ways to prevent substance use problems in the future.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Georgia State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $199,270 |
| NIH project number | 5R21DA059966-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10934371 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents who have experienced early life trauma or resource scarcity.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not experienced early life trauma or resource scarcity may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how early life experiences, specifically resource scarcity, influence addiction-related behaviors during adolescence. Using a rat model, the study examines the effects of limited resources on impulsivity and opioid consumption, focusing on changes in brain function in the medial prefrontal cortex. By comparing rats raised in low-resource environments to those in adequate conditions, the research aims to uncover critical insights into the development of substance use disorders and potential early interventions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and prevention strategies for substance use disorders in adolescents.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that early life experiences significantly impact addiction behaviors, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Georgia State University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bangasser, Debra a — Georgia State University
- Study coordinator: Bangasser, Debra a
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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.