Understanding brain activity and cognitive effects during opioid withdrawal and the impact of psilocybin.
Official title: Neural Signatures and Cognitive Performance During Rat Morphine Withdrawal, and Subsequent Impact of Psilocybin
Funded at University of Washington · NIH-10893977 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the brain reacts when someone is going through withdrawal from opioid addiction and whether a natural substance from certain mushrooms, called psilocybin, can help improve thinking and brain function during this tough time.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | August 16, 2023 |
| Project end | August 15, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $47,405 |
| NIH project number | 5F31DA059250-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10893977 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would be adults struggling with opioid addiction or those interested in understanding the effects of psilocybin on addiction-related cognitive issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not affected by opioid addiction or who are under 21 years old may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the brain responds during withdrawal from opioid addiction and how psilocybin, a compound found in certain mushrooms, may influence cognitive performance during this period. Using a rodent model, the study aims to explore the neural mechanisms involved in addiction and withdrawal, particularly focusing on the lateral habenula, a brain region linked to addiction. By employing advanced imaging techniques, researchers will monitor neural activity over time to gain insights into the cognitive impairments associated with opioid withdrawal and the potential therapeutic effects of psilocybin.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for opioid addiction that enhance cognitive function and promote long-term recovery.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results using similar approaches to investigate the effects of psychedelics on addiction and cognitive function, suggesting potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Washington
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hones, Victoria Ivanova — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Hones, Victoria Ivanova
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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.