Understanding brain circuits involved in alcohol abuse
Official title: Insula-amygdala circuits in alcohol abuse
Funded at Mclean Hospital · NIH-10894279 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how binge drinking can change the way certain parts of the brain work together, which might affect feelings and behaviors related to alcohol use, helping us understand more about alcohol use disorder and anxiety.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mclean Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Belmont, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $516,261 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AA030585-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10894279 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals struggling with alcohol use disorder or those who engage in binge drinking behaviors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not consume alcohol or have no history of alcohol use disorder may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how repeated binge drinking affects brain circuits that process emotions and behaviors related to alcohol use. By examining the connections between the basolateral amygdala and the anterior insular cortex, the study aims to identify changes in neural activity and plasticity that contribute to alcohol-seeking behavior and anxiety. The research employs various behavioral assays and self-administration paradigms to explore these effects in detail, providing insights into the underlying mechanisms of alcohol use disorder.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for alcohol use disorder by targeting specific brain circuits involved in addiction and emotional regulation.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the neural mechanisms of addiction, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Mclean Hospital
Belmont, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Suh, Junghyup — Mclean Hospital
- Study coordinator: Suh, Junghyup
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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.