How stress affects heroin cravings and brain function
Impact of stress on heroin seeking and ventral pallidal synapse function
['FUNDING_FELLOWSHIP'] · UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER · NIH-10867466
This study looks at how stress affects the brain and makes people with opioid use disorders crave heroin more, hoping to find new ways to help them manage their cravings and avoid relapse.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_FELLOWSHIP'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-10867466 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between stress and heroin-seeking behavior, focusing on how stress impacts brain function related to opioid use disorders. By studying the effects of acute stress on specific neurons in the brain, the research aims to uncover the neurobiological mechanisms that contribute to increased cravings and relapse in individuals with opioid use disorders. The study utilizes advanced imaging techniques in animal models to observe changes in brain activity during stress and drug-seeking behavior, providing insights that could inform future therapeutic strategies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 who have experienced stress and are struggling with opioid use disorders.
Not a fit: Patients who are not dealing with opioid use disorders or who are under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that help individuals manage cravings and reduce the risk of relapse in opioid use disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the effects of stress on drug-seeking behavior, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
Aurora, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER — Aurora, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: MILLER, CARLEY N — UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER
- Study coordinator: MILLER, CARLEY N
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.
Conditions: Behavior Disorders