Investigating how a brain circuit affects alcohol drinking in people with chronic pain and opioid withdrawal.
Official title: Role of a novel dynorphinergic extended amygdala circuit in pain- and fentanyl abstinence- facilitated alcohol drinking
Funded at Washington University · NIH-10999148 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how chronic pain and alcohol use are connected, especially for people dealing with pain or recovering from opioid use, to help understand how their brain affects drinking habits and improve future treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $79,528 |
| NIH project number | 1F32AA031897-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10999148 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who experience chronic pain and have a history of alcohol or opioid use disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have chronic pain or a history of substance use disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the relationship between chronic pain, alcohol consumption, and opioid withdrawal. It focuses on a specific brain circuit that may influence alcohol drinking behavior in individuals experiencing persistent pain and those recovering from opioid use. By using advanced techniques like behavioral assessments and brain imaging, the study aims to understand how this circuit operates and its potential role in alcohol use disorders. Patients may gain insights into how their pain and substance use interact, which could inform future treatment strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment options for individuals struggling with alcohol dependence, especially those with chronic pain or opioid withdrawal.
How similar studies have gone: While there is limited research on this specific brain circuit, studies on the interactions between pain, alcohol, and opioid use have shown promising results, indicating potential for significant findings.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cucinello-Ragland, Jessica — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Cucinello-Ragland, Jessica
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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.