How opioid withdrawal affects anxiety and learning in the brain
Official title: Impact of Opioid Withdrawal on SNl-TS Dopamine and Glutamate in Threat Learning
Funded at University of Colorado · NIH-11165776 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boulder, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | May 16, 2025 |
| Project end | May 15, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $42,279 |
| NIH project number | 1F31DA063348-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11165776 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing opioid addiction or those undergoing withdrawal treatment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not currently struggling with opioid addiction or withdrawal may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
University of Colorado
Boulder, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Williams, Elora — University of Colorado
- Study coordinator: Williams, Elora
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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.