Investigating brain changes in people with cocaine use disorder
Official title: Aberrant Synaptic Plasticity in Cocaine Use Disorder: A 11C UCB J PET Study
Funded at Yale University · NIH-11078350 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how cocaine use changes the brain's connections, especially in an area that helps with decision-making, to better understand cravings and behaviors in people with cocaine addiction, and it involves using a special imaging technique to see these changes in the brain.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2021 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $708,497 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA052454-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11078350 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with cocaine use disorder who are currently using cocaine or have recently abstained from it.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of cocaine use or those with other substance use disorders unrelated to cocaine may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research examines how cocaine use affects the brain's synaptic plasticity, particularly focusing on changes in synaptic density in the medial prefrontal cortex. Using a novel imaging technique called positron emission tomography (PET) with a special radiotracer, the study aims to visualize and measure synaptic density in individuals with cocaine use disorder. By understanding these brain changes, the research seeks to uncover the mechanisms behind cravings and compulsive behaviors associated with cocaine addiction. Participants will be monitored for their cocaine use and abstinence to correlate these behaviors with brain imaging results.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment strategies for individuals struggling with cocaine addiction.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding synaptic changes related to cocaine use, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Yale University
New Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Angarita, Gustavo Adolfo — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Angarita, Gustavo Adolfo
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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-
Understanding how early life stress and cocaine exposure shape brain and behavior in adults
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Psilocybin-Assisted ACT for Co-Occurring Cocaine Use Disorder and Major Depressive Disorder
A new treatment combines psilocybin with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help people who have both cocaine use disorder and major depressive disorder.
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Cholinergic Dysregulation and Cognitive Flexibility in Cocaine Use Disorder
A research study explores how cocaine changes brain signaling to affect flexible thinking and decision-making in people with cocaine use disorder.
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Oligonucleotide therapy to help cocaine use disorder reach the brain
A new ASO-based approach aims to deliver gene-targeting therapy across the blood–brain barrier to help people with cocaine use disorder.
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Accelerated TMS for Cocaine Use Disorder
A new, faster brain-stimulation treatment is being tested to help adults with cocaine use disorder reduce cravings and use.
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.