Investigating how serotonin receptors affect opioid misuse in adolescents
Official title: Developmental and Serotonin 5-HT2A Receptor Effects on Fentanyl Reinforcer Value
Funded at University of Nebraska Omaha · NIH-10974916 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how tough experiences in childhood might lead to opioid misuse in teens and young adults, and it’s exploring how certain brain receptors related to stress and reward could help us find better ways to support recovery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Nebraska Omaha NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Omaha, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2024 |
| Project end | September 14, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $400,294 |
| NIH project number | 1R15DA059721-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10974916 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 12 to 20 who have experienced adverse childhood experiences and are at risk for opioid misuse.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not within the age range of 12 to 20 or who have not experienced adverse childhood experiences may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the relationship between adverse childhood experiences and the misuse of opioids in adolescents aged 12 to 20. It focuses on the serotonin system, particularly the 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C receptors, to understand how these receptors influence the reward pathways in the brain related to opioid use. By examining how stress and trauma affect these receptors, the study aims to identify new treatment options that could help reduce opioid misuse and improve recovery outcomes. The research employs both animal models and human data to draw connections between serotonin signaling and opioid reinforcement.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new non-opioid treatments that reduce the risk of opioid misuse and improve recovery for adolescents with opioid use disorder.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting the serotonin system for treating substance use disorders, indicating that this approach may be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Nebraska Omaha
Omaha, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Garcia, Erik Joseph — University of Nebraska Omaha
- Study coordinator: Garcia, Erik Joseph
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.