Understanding cocaine addiction and early intervention strategies
Official title: Cocaine Addition and the Need-State Hypothesis
Funded at Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr · NIH-11048405 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at early signs that might show someone is at risk of developing a cocaine addiction, using animal models to see how certain triggers can lead to addictive behaviors, with the hope of finding ways to help prevent addiction before it starts.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hershey, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2025 |
| Project end | February 28, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $762,063 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DA060250-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11048405 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who may be at risk for cocaine addiction or have a history of substance use disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not at risk for cocaine addiction or who have not engaged in substance use may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the concept of 'preaddiction' in cocaine addiction, focusing on identifying early risk factors for individuals before they fully develop an addiction. Using an animal model, the study examines how specific cues can trigger conditioned responses that may indicate vulnerability to addiction. By understanding these early signs, the research aims to explore potential early interventions that could prevent the progression of addiction. The findings could lead to new strategies for treating substance use disorders before they become severe.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier and more effective interventions for individuals at risk of developing cocaine addiction.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using animal models to understand addiction, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr
Hershey, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Grigson, Patricia Sue — Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr
- Study coordinator: Grigson, Patricia Sue
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.