Improving decision-making and reducing compulsive drinking by targeting the brain's prefrontal cortex.

Targeting computation in prefrontal cortex to improve decision-making and reduce compulsive drinking in rodent models.

NIH-funded research Indiana University Indianapolis · NIH-10893468

This study is looking at how problems with decision-making affect people with Alcohol Use Disorder and aims to find ways to improve these decisions by focusing on a specific part of the brain, which could help those dealing with alcohol dependence.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionIndiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Indianapolis, United States)
Project IDNIH-10893468 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how impairments in decision-making contribute to Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) and aims to explore the neural mechanisms behind these behaviors. By focusing on the prefrontal cortex, the study seeks to understand how targeting this brain region can improve decision-making and reduce impulsivity in rodent models of AUD. The researchers will employ advanced techniques to manipulate and measure neural activity, providing insights that could lead to new treatment strategies for individuals struggling with alcohol dependence.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a history of alcohol use disorder who exhibit impulsive decision-making behaviors.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have issues with alcohol use or decision-making may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to novel therapies that improve decision-making and reduce compulsive drinking in individuals with Alcohol Use Disorder.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results in targeting the prefrontal cortex to influence addiction-related behaviors, suggesting that this approach may be effective.

Where this research is happening

Indianapolis, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.