Understanding brain circuits involved in addiction
Midbrain neural circuit mechanisms underlying addiction
This study is looking at how opioid addiction changes certain brain pathways that affect feelings of reward, and it aims to find new ways to help people recover by understanding how these pathways work together.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | VA San Diego Healthcare System NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Diego, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11105868 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how specific brain circuits are altered by opioid addiction, focusing on the interactions between the ventral tegmental area and the nucleus accumbens, which are critical for reward processing. The study aims to identify how these circuits influence behaviors related to addiction and how neuromodulatory therapies could potentially reverse these changes. By examining the role of the ventral pallidum in regulating these behaviors, the research seeks to uncover new therapeutic targets for treating opioid addiction.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals struggling with opioid addiction or those who have been affected by opioid use disorders.
Not a fit: Patients who are not dealing with addiction or who have other unrelated substance use disorders may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that help individuals overcome opioid addiction by restoring normal brain function.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in understanding brain circuits related to addiction, but this specific focus on the ventral pallidum and its connections is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
San Diego, United States
- VA San Diego Healthcare System — San Diego, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hnasko, Thomas — VA San Diego Healthcare System
- Study coordinator: Hnasko, Thomas
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.