How stress affects the risk of cannabis addiction in veterans with PTSD
Official title: Neuroadaptation produced by acute PTSD-like stress create vulnerability for cannabis addiction
Funded at Ralph H Johnson VA Medical Center · NIH-10951502 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how stress affects the risk of developing cannabis addiction in veterans with PTSD, using rats to understand the brain changes that happen during stressful times, which could help find better ways to support veterans dealing with these issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ralph H Johnson VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charleston, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2019 |
| Project end | September 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01BX004727-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-10951502 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are veterans who have been diagnosed with PTSD and may be experiencing issues related to substance use, particularly cannabis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have PTSD or a history of substance use disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between acute stress and the development of cannabis addiction in veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). By using a rat model, the study examines how stress influences brain circuits and behaviors associated with drug-seeking and addiction. The researchers aim to understand the underlying neural mechanisms that contribute to the vulnerability of veterans to cannabis use disorder when they experience stress. This could lead to better treatment strategies for veterans facing these challenges.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prevention and treatment strategies for veterans at risk of cannabis addiction due to PTSD.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that stress can significantly impact addiction behaviors, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Ralph H Johnson VA Medical Center
Charleston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kalivas, Peter W — Ralph H Johnson VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Kalivas, Peter W
Related research
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This study is all about learning how cannabis and other addictive substances affect the brain, and it's designed for researchers and students who want to understand addiction better and help improve treatments.
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Understanding how PTSD affects self-control and brain function
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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.