How opioid withdrawal affects anxiety and learning in the brain

Impact of Opioid Withdrawal on SNl-TS Dopamine and Glutamate in Threat Learning

['FUNDING_FELLOWSHIP'] · UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO · NIH-11165776

This study looks at how going through withdrawal from opioids like oxycodone affects anxiety and learning in mice, helping us understand the brain's response to stress and fear, which could lead to better treatments for people dealing with opioid addiction.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_FELLOWSHIP']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF COLORADO (nih funded)
Locations1 site (Boulder, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11165776 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the effects of opioid withdrawal on anxiety and learning behaviors using animal models. By observing mice that self-administer oxycodone, the study examines how withdrawal symptoms influence their responses to threatening stimuli. The researchers utilize advanced neurotechnological techniques to analyze the neural mechanisms involved in these behaviors, particularly focusing on dopamine and glutamate pathways in the brain. The goal is to understand how withdrawal impacts adaptive behaviors and anxiety, which could inform future treatments for opioid addiction.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing opioid addiction or those undergoing withdrawal treatment.

Not a fit: Patients who are not currently struggling with opioid addiction or withdrawal may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for managing anxiety and withdrawal symptoms in individuals recovering from opioid addiction.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the neural mechanisms of addiction and withdrawal, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Boulder, 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.