Investigating how oxytocin affects social and drug rewards
Official title: Oxytocin projections mediate social and drug reward
Funded at University of Memphis · NIH-10654438 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a hormone called oxytocin might help people with substance use disorder by changing how their brains respond to drugs and social interactions, with the hope of making recovery easier and more effective.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Memphis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Memphis, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $362,673 |
| NIH project number | 1R15DA058186-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10654438 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who are experiencing substance use disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not struggling with substance use disorder or who are under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the role of oxytocin in managing substance use disorder (SUD) by examining its effects on the brain's reward systems. The study aims to understand how oxytocin can shift dopamine release patterns, potentially reducing the reinforcing effects of drugs while enhancing the appeal of social interactions. By focusing on the neural circuits involved in both drug and social rewards, the research seeks to improve treatment outcomes for individuals struggling with addiction. Participants may receive oxytocin to assess its impact on their reward processing and recovery from SUD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for substance use disorder, reducing relapse rates and improving recovery outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results regarding the therapeutic potential of oxytocin in addiction treatment, indicating that this approach may be viable.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Memphis
Memphis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lester, Deranda B — University of Memphis
- Study coordinator: Lester, Deranda B
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.