Identifying brain markers for addiction cravings and drug use
Official title: Neuromarkers for craving and drug use
Funded at University of California Berkeley · NIH-11161100 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking to find new ways to measure brain signals that can help us understand and predict cravings for substances like cocaine, alcohol, and tobacco, which could lead to better support for people dealing with addiction.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Berkeley NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Berkeley, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2025 |
| Project end | February 28, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $800,617 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DA063043-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11161100 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with substance use disorders, particularly those involving cocaine, alcohol, or tobacco.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have substance use disorders or those who are not actively seeking treatment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing and validating neuromarkers, which are measurable indicators in the brain that can help understand addiction and cravings. Using advanced techniques like machine learning and fMRI, the study aims to create a reliable neuromarker that predicts cravings for substances such as cocaine, alcohol, and tobacco. By analyzing a large database of existing studies, the researchers will assess how well these markers can predict cravings across different demographics and conditions. This could lead to better treatment strategies for individuals struggling with substance use disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for addiction by providing personalized insights into cravings and relapse risk.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in using neuromarkers for predicting cravings and relapse in addiction, indicating a potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Berkeley
Berkeley, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kober, Hedy — University of California Berkeley
- Study coordinator: Kober, Hedy
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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.