Understanding brain circuits involved in motivation and addiction
Ventral Pallidum Circuits in Motivation, Risky Decision Making, and Opioid Addiction
This study is looking at how certain parts of the brain affect our motivation and choices when it comes to addiction to opioids and cocaine, with the hope of finding ways to help people stay away from drugs and make better decisions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Albert Einstein College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bronx, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10898616 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how specific brain circuits in the ventral pallidum influence motivation and decision-making related to opioid and cocaine addiction. By using animal models and advanced techniques like chemogenetic manipulation, the study aims to uncover the neural mechanisms that lead to drug-seeking behavior and relapse. The findings could provide insights into how to help individuals maintain abstinence from drugs and make healthier choices. The research focuses on understanding the brain's response to both drugs and natural rewards.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals struggling with opioid or cocaine addiction who are seeking to understand their motivations and improve their decision-making processes.
Not a fit: Patients who are not currently dealing with substance use disorders or those who have not experienced addiction may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing relapse in individuals recovering from opioid and cocaine addiction.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in understanding brain circuits related to addiction, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
Bronx, United States
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine — Bronx, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Farrell, Mitchell — Albert Einstein College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Farrell, Mitchell
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.