Investigating how childhood experiences affect the risk of opioid use disorder.

A mechanistic investigation of risk factors for opioid use disorder: Examining hippocampal-based context-dependent learning and memory associated with adverse childhood experiences

NIH-funded research University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-10928724

This study is looking at how tough experiences in childhood might affect the way adults process situations and could lead to problems with opioid use after being prescribed painkillers, and it’s for adults who are currently getting treatment for opioid addiction.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Ann Arbor, United States)
Project IDNIH-10928724 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research explores the relationship between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and the development of opioid use disorder (OUD) in adults. It focuses on how deficits in hippocampal-based context processing, which is influenced by ACEs, may contribute to the risk of developing OUD after prescribed opioid use. By examining 75 adults with OUD who are undergoing treatment with buprenorphine, the study aims to identify neuro-cognitive mechanisms that link childhood trauma to opioid addiction. The findings could help in understanding the complexities of OUD and inform better treatment strategies.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults with a history of opioid use disorder who have experienced adverse childhood experiences.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have a history of opioid use disorder or adverse childhood experiences may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prevention and treatment strategies for opioid use disorder, particularly for those with a history of adverse childhood experiences.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that understanding the neuro-cognitive mechanisms related to trauma can provide insights into substance use disorders, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable findings.

Where this research is happening

Ann Arbor, 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.