Improving decision-making in adults recovering from amphetamine use disorder by enhancing mood

Modulating explore-exploit biases by improving mood in adults with amphetamine use disorder

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · LAUREATE INSTITUTE FOR BRAIN RESEARCH · NIH-11093606

This study is looking at how feeling better can help people recovering from amphetamine use make smarter choices, and it uses fun memory exercises to lift their mood while checking how their brains work during decision-making.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorLAUREATE INSTITUTE FOR BRAIN RESEARCH (nih funded)
Locations1 site (TULSA, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11093606 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates how improving mood can help individuals recovering from amphetamine use disorder (MUD) make better decisions. It focuses on the 'explore-exploit' trade-off, where individuals often struggle to choose the best options due to negative feelings associated with their recovery. By using techniques like autobiographical memory recall to boost mood, the study aims to see if this can lead to healthier decision-making patterns. Participants will undergo brain imaging and behavioral tasks to assess changes in their decision-making processes.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who are currently abstinent from amphetamines and experiencing negative mood states.

Not a fit: Patients who are actively using amphetamines or are not in a state of abstinence may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for improving decision-making and reducing relapse rates in individuals recovering from amphetamine use disorder.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using mood enhancement to improve decision-making in substance use disorders is innovative, similar strategies have shown promise in other areas of addiction treatment.

Where this research is happening

TULSA, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.