Multimodal approach to craving and mood in substance use disorders
Official title: SCH: Multidimensional Data Science Approach: Measuring and Characterizing Craving and Affective Profiles in Substance Use Disorders
Funded at Rice University · NIH-11362304 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aims to build a real-world and lab-based picture of how cravings and moods relate to substance use by collecting brain, physiological, and behavioral data from people with SUD.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rice University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $299,783 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA059925-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11362304 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with substance use disorders (e.g., opioids, cocaine, methamphetamine, and alcohol) who can participate in lab brain imaging and wearables studies.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without SUD or those unable to participate in MRI or wearable sensing may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project will combine brain imaging (fMRI), physiological measurements from wearables, and clinical assessments to map how craving and affect are connected in people with substance use disorders. Researchers will create a multidimensional database that links brain signals with real-world cues captured on mobile devices and wearables. The study seeks to identify patterns that could inform personalized interventions to help reduce cravings and prevent relapse. It will involve people with SUD at Rice University, using laboratory sessions and field data collection over several years.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could lead to better timing and targeting of interventions during craving moments to prevent relapse.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work has shown that combining brain and wearable data can improve understanding of craving, with growing evidence but ongoing need for integrated multimodal analyses.
Where this research is happening
-
Rice University
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sano, Akane — Rice University
- Study coordinator: Sano, Akane
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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.