Investigating how stress affects the risk of opioid misuse through body mechanisms.
Stress and Opioid Misuse Risk: The Role of Endogenous Opioid and Endocannabinoid Mechanisms
This study is looking at how stress affects the way our bodies handle pain and the risk of misusing opioids, so we can better understand how to help people manage pain safely, especially if they might be at risk for opioid use disorder.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11015842 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research explores the relationship between stress and the risk of opioid misuse by examining the body's natural opioid and endocannabinoid systems. It aims to understand how these systems influence pain relief and the potential for developing opioid use disorder (OUD) in patients. By studying the biological responses to opioids in individuals with varying levels of stress and pain, the research seeks to identify predictors of opioid misuse. The findings could lead to more personalized pain management strategies that consider individual risk factors.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with chronic pain who are at risk of opioid misuse or those undergoing major surgery requiring postoperative pain management.
Not a fit: Patients who do not experience chronic pain or are not at risk for opioid misuse may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved pain management strategies that reduce the risk of opioid misuse in patients.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the mechanisms of opioid responses, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
Nashville, United States
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center — Nashville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bruehl, Stephen — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Bruehl, Stephen
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.