Investigating how specific brain receptors affect alcohol consumption and withdrawal symptoms.
Official title: Role of beta2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the insula-BNST pathway in ethanol consumption and abstinence-induced negative affect.
Funded at Wake Forest University Health Sciences · NIH-10998254 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain receptors might affect drinking habits and feelings of discomfort when trying to quit alcohol, with the goal of finding better ways to help people who are dealing with alcohol use disorder.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wake Forest University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Winston-Salem, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $51,974 |
| NIH project number | 1F31AA031625-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10998254 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with alcohol use disorder who are experiencing challenges related to alcohol consumption and withdrawal.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have alcohol use disorder or are not experiencing withdrawal symptoms may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the role of beta2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the brain's insula-BNST pathway, which is linked to alcohol use disorder (AUD). By examining how these receptors influence alcohol consumption and the negative feelings that can arise during abstinence, the study aims to uncover the underlying mechanisms that contribute to addiction and relapse. The approach includes advanced techniques to analyze brain activity and receptor interactions, providing insights that could lead to new treatment strategies for individuals struggling with AUD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic targets for treating alcohol use disorder and improving the lives of those affected by it.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of nicotinic receptors in addiction, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Wake Forest University Health Sciences
Winston-Salem, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Williams, Benjamin M — Wake Forest University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Williams, Benjamin M
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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.