Impact of adolescent opioid use on brain development and cognition
Neurocognitive Impairments Resulting from Adolescent Prescription Opioid Use Disorder: Longitudinal Impact, Neural Mechanisms, and Comorbidities
This study is looking at how using prescription opioids during teenage years can change brain development and thinking skills, especially considering how things like being male or female and having other health issues, like HIV, might play a role.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kentucky NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lexington, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11059248 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how prescription opioid use during adolescence affects brain development and cognitive function. It focuses on understanding the neural mechanisms involved and how factors like biological sex and comorbidities, such as HIV, influence these effects. By using advanced techniques like stereotaxic surgeries and gene delivery methods, the study aims to uncover the underlying changes in brain circuits caused by opioid dependence. The findings could provide insights into the long-term consequences of opioid use in young individuals.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 12-25 who have a history of prescription opioid use.
Not a fit: Patients who have not used prescription opioids or are outside the age range of 12-25 may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment strategies for adolescents struggling with opioid use disorder.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that understanding the neurocognitive impacts of substance use during critical developmental periods can lead to significant advancements in treatment approaches.
Where this research is happening
Lexington, United States
- University of Kentucky — Lexington, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mclaurin, Kristen Addie — University of Kentucky
- Study coordinator: Mclaurin, Kristen Addie
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.