How social stress affects alcohol drinking behavior
Official title: Corticolimbic Neuroimmune Determinants of Social Stress-Associated Alcohol Drinking
Funded at Northwestern University at Chicago · NIH-11087906 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how feeling stressed in social situations might lead some people, especially those who feel less socially connected, to drink more alcohol to feel better, and it hopes to find out how this happens in the brain so we can help those at risk for drinking problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | April 5, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $62,378 |
| NIH project number | 3R00AA029180-04S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11087906 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who experience social stress and may use alcohol as a coping mechanism.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not experience social stress or do not consume alcohol may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the connection between social stress and alcohol consumption, focusing on how individuals with lower social rank may be more likely to drink alcohol to cope with negative emotions. By studying the brain's amygdala-cortical circuit and immune responses, the research aims to uncover the biological mechanisms that drive increased alcohol use in response to social isolation. The findings could help identify individuals at risk for developing alcohol use disorders and inform potential interventions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and treatment options for individuals struggling with alcohol use disorders related to social stress.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that social stress can influence alcohol consumption patterns, suggesting that this approach has a foundation in established findings.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Patel, Reesha — Northwestern University at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Patel, Reesha
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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.