How stress affects drug-seeking behavior through brain mechanisms
Neurobiological mechanisms underlying persistent effects of stress on drug-seeking behaviors
This study looks at how certain environmental triggers can make stressed individuals, like those recovering from addiction, crave drugs again, using rats to understand how different brains react to these cues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon Health & Science University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10887564 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how environmental cues can trigger drug-seeking behaviors in individuals who have experienced stress. Using an animal model, specifically rats, the study examines how different brain circuits respond to these cues based on individual differences in learning and motivation. By understanding the neurobiological mechanisms involved, the research aims to shed light on why some individuals are more prone to relapse after stress exposure. The methodology includes Pavlovian training to assess how cues associated with rewards influence behavior.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a history of substance use disorders who have experienced significant stress.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have a history of substance use or those who are not affected by stress-related cues may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for addiction by identifying how stress influences drug-seeking behaviors.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown success in understanding the role of environmental cues in addiction, making this approach a continuation of established findings.
Where this research is happening
Portland, United States
- Oregon Health & Science University — Portland, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lopez, Sofia a — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Lopez, Sofia a
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 below.