How traumatic stress can change how alcohol feels for people with PTSD
Characterization of alcohol interoceptive effects following predator odor exposure: relevance to PTSD
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL · NIH-11326771
This project aims to find out whether trauma-related stress changes the internal sensations of drinking alcohol and may help explain heavier drinking in people with PTSD.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (CHAPEL HILL, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11326771 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers use a laboratory model of trauma where animals are exposed to a predator-related scent to mimic stress reactions seen in PTSD. They compare animals that respond differently to the stressor to see whether those differences link to changes in how alcohol feels inside the body and to increases in alcohol drinking. The team measures stress hormones, behavior, and patterns of alcohol self-administration to connect stress responses with alcohol-related internal sensations. Findings will be used to guide future work that could target these mechanisms in people with PTSD and alcohol problems.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with a history of traumatic stress or diagnosed PTSD who also struggle with heavy drinking or alcohol use disorder are the most relevant patient group for these findings.
Not a fit: People without trauma exposure or without alcohol-related problems are unlikely to receive direct benefits from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal why some people with PTSD drink more and point to new targets for preventing or treating alcohol misuse in PTSD.
How similar studies have performed: Animal studies using predator-odor stress have previously linked stress to increased drinking, but directly connecting stress-driven changes in alcohol's internal effects to escalated drinking is a newer and less-tested area.
Where this research is happening
CHAPEL HILL, UNITED STATES
- UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL — CHAPEL HILL, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: BESHEER, JOYCE — UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL
- Study coordinator: BESHEER, JOYCE
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.