Reducing alcohol cravings in people with alcohol dependence
Official title: Reducing alcohol-seeking behavior in a rat model of alcohol dependence
Funded at University of Texas at Austin · NIH-11098466 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This research explores a new way to help people with alcohol dependence reduce their cravings and prevent relapse by modifying a common therapy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas at Austin NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Austin, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2022 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $353,582 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AA029386-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11098466 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This research is foundational, but future human studies would ideally involve individuals struggling with alcohol dependence who experience strong cravings triggered by environmental cues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose alcohol use disorder is not primarily driven by environmental cues or who do not experience significant cravings may not directly benefit from this specific approach.
What this research studies
Excessive alcohol use is often triggered by environmental cues, like seeing a bar or a drink, which can lead to strong cravings and relapse. Current treatments, such as cue-exposure therapy, try to reduce these cravings by repeatedly showing alcohol-related cues without offering alcohol. However, these improvements often don't last. Our team is exploring a modified approach called "retrieval+extinction," which involves a brief reminder of the cue before the therapy, to see if it can make the benefits of cue-exposure therapy more lasting and prevent the return of alcohol-seeking behaviors.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve existing therapies for alcohol use disorder, making it easier for patients to maintain sobriety and prevent relapse.
How similar studies have gone: Our previous work has shown promising results with this modified approach in animal models, suggesting it could be a valuable improvement to current therapies.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas at Austin
Austin, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lee, Hongjoo Joanne — University of Texas at Austin
- Study coordinator: Lee, Hongjoo Joanne
Related research
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New GLT-1 Activators to Help People with Alcohol Dependence
A new preclinical study tests novel drugs that boost a brain transporter to reduce drinking and relapse in alcohol-related conditions.
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Activation of PSTN CRF neurons and their role in alcohol drinking
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Mapping immune-related gene changes in the brains of people with alcohol dependence
This project maps where and which brain cells show immune-related gene changes in people with alcohol dependence to point toward new treatment targets.
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Targeting brain support cells to curb heavy drinking and brain inflammation
This project is testing whether lowering a specific enzyme in brain support cells (astrocytes) can curb heavy drinking and brain inflammation for people with alcohol dependence.
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Frontal brain changes linked to alcohol relapse
This work looks at how changes in a frontal brain area and blood–brain barrier problems may lead to relapse in adults with alcohol use disorder.
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.