How methamphetamine affects decision-making and behavior over time
Official title: Behavioral compensation in goal-directed action: Long term effects of voluntary methamphetamine taking versus passive exposure
Funded at Kansas State University · NIH-10910154 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how using methamphetamine for a long time affects decision-making and behavior, using rats to learn more about how the brain adapts when it comes to making choices, especially after using drugs.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Kansas State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Manhattan, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $71,063 |
| NIH project number | 5R03DA057525-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10910154 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would be individuals with a history of methamphetamine use or those interested in understanding the cognitive effects of drug exposure.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not used methamphetamine or similar stimulants may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how long-term use of methamphetamine impacts decision-making and behavioral strategies. It focuses on understanding how the brain compensates for dysfunction in areas responsible for goal-directed actions, particularly after voluntary drug use. Using a rat model, the study will assess how changes in reward value influence decision-making processes and behavioral responses. The goal is to uncover the underlying neural mechanisms that allow for flexible decision-making despite drug-induced impairments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and treatment strategies for individuals struggling with methamphetamine addiction and its effects on decision-making.
How similar studies have gone: While this research explores novel aspects of behavioral compensation in drug use, similar studies have shown that understanding neural compensation mechanisms can lead to significant advancements in addiction treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
Kansas State University
Manhattan, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pickens, Charles Lee — Kansas State University
- Study coordinator: Pickens, Charles Lee
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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.