Investigating how memories of cocaine cues can be disrupted to prevent relapse.
Memory Destabilization and Cocaine-Cue Induced Reinstatement in Rat
This study is looking at how memories linked to cocaine use can lead to cravings and relapse, and it aims to find ways to change those memories so they don't trigger those feelings, using special techniques to help people struggling with addiction.
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 ID | NIH-11080320 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research explores how memories associated with cocaine use can contribute to addiction and relapse. By understanding the process of memory reconsolidation, the study aims to find ways to disrupt these memories, making them less likely to trigger cravings and relapse. The researchers will manipulate expectations during memory reactivation to see if this can destabilize the memories, allowing for targeted treatments to be more effective. The approach involves advanced techniques such as photo stimulation of specific brain neurons to observe changes in behavior related to cocaine cues.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals struggling with cocaine addiction or those who have experienced relapse due to drug-associated cues.
Not a fit: Patients who are not addicted to cocaine or do not have a history of cocaine use may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that help individuals overcome cocaine addiction by reducing the power of drug-related memories.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in using memory reconsolidation techniques to treat various addictions, suggesting that this approach may be viable.
Where this research is happening
New Haven, United States
- Yale University — New Haven, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Taylor, Jane R — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Taylor, Jane R
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 below.