How oxytocin and stress hormones affect alcohol dependence
Official title: Opposing Contributions of Oxytocin and Corticotropin-Release Factor to Alcohol Dependence
Funded at University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr · NIH-10655413 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how two brain chemicals, oxytocin and CRF, affect drinking habits in people who struggle with alcohol dependence, to find out how oxytocin might help reduce stress-related drinking and lead to better treatments for those dealing with this issue.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Memphis, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2021 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $249,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R00DA048530-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10655413 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with alcohol use disorder who experience compulsive drinking behaviors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have alcohol use disorder or those who are not actively engaged in alcohol consumption may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the roles of oxytocin and corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) in alcohol dependence, focusing on how these neuropeptides influence compulsive drinking behaviors. The study aims to identify the brain mechanisms through which oxytocin can counteract the stress-induced drinking patterns associated with alcohol use disorder. By utilizing advanced techniques and training at the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the research will explore the neuronal circuitry involved in these processes, potentially leading to new treatment strategies for individuals struggling with alcohol dependence.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for alcohol use disorder, helping patients reduce their compulsive drinking behaviors.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in using oxytocin to reduce compulsive drinking in animal models, suggesting potential for success in human applications.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr
Memphis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tunstall, Brendan — University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr
- Study coordinator: Tunstall, Brendan
Related research
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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.