Understanding brain differences in women who abuse stimulants
Official title: Neurocognitive Abnormalities in Stimulant Abuse among High-Risk Women
Funded at Lovelace Biomedical Research Institute · NIH-11089535 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how stimulant drug use affects the brains of women in prison, especially those at high risk, to better understand their needs and help create better treatment options just for them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Lovelace Biomedical Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Albuquerque, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2022 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $794,633 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA055158-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11089535 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are incarcerated women with a history of stimulant abuse and varying levels of psychopathic traits.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of stimulant abuse or are not incarcerated may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the neurobiological systems involved in stimulant abuse among high-risk women, particularly those who are incarcerated. By using a mobile MRI scanner, the study aims to analyze brain structure and function in relation to stimulant use and psychopathic traits. Participants will be categorized based on their history of stimulant use and psychological characteristics, allowing for a detailed examination of sex differences in brain circuitry and behavior. The findings could lead to improved treatment strategies tailored to the unique needs of women with substance use disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatment options for women struggling with stimulant abuse and related psychiatric conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown success in understanding neurobiological differences related to substance abuse, but this specific focus on incarcerated women is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Lovelace Biomedical Research Institute
Albuquerque, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kiehl, Kent a — Lovelace Biomedical Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Kiehl, Kent a
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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.