New treatment to reduce opioid cravings in veterans with brain injuries
Official title: Novel Intervention for TBI-induced Opioid Seeking
Funded at John D Dingell VA Medical Center · NIH-10954248 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special light therapy called photobiomodulation can help veterans with traumatic brain injuries manage their chronic pain without relying on opioids, which can be addictive.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | John D Dingell VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Detroit, United States) |
| Project start | November 1, 2023 |
| Project end | October 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01RX004567-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10954248 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are veterans who have experienced traumatic brain injuries and are currently managing chronic pain, particularly those at risk of opioid dependence.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of traumatic brain injury or are not experiencing chronic pain may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on veterans who have sustained traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and are often treated with opioids for chronic pain. The study aims to develop a non-opioid treatment using photobiomodulation (PBM), a low-level light therapy that may help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress associated with TBI. By targeting the mechanisms that contribute to opioid addiction, this approach seeks to mitigate the risk of opioid dependence in these patients. The research will involve clinical applications of PBM to assess its effectiveness in reducing opioid-seeking behavior among TBI-affected veterans.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a safer, non-opioid treatment option for veterans suffering from chronic pain after TBI.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with photobiomodulation in reversing cognitive deficits related to TBI, indicating potential for success in addressing opioid-seeking behavior as well.
Where this research is happening
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John D Dingell VA Medical Center
Detroit, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Conti, Alana C. — John D Dingell VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Conti, Alana C.
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.