Understanding Cocaine Use in Social Settings
Mechanisms Mediating Cocaine Abuse in Socially Housed Female and Male Monkeys
This research helps us understand why people use cocaine and how social factors and brain changes play a role, aiming to find new ways to help those with cocaine use disorder.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wake Forest University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Winston-Salem, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11187032 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Millions of Americans struggle with cocaine use, and currently, there are no FDA-approved treatments. This project uses a unique animal model, socially housed monkeys, to learn more about how cocaine affects behavior, brain chemistry, and social interactions. We are looking at how social standing and environment influence cocaine use, and how different brain receptors are involved. The goal is to uncover the underlying reasons for cocaine use to develop better treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is ultimately for individuals living with cocaine use disorder who currently lack effective treatment options.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment options will not directly benefit from this basic science research, as it is not a clinical trial.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to the development of new and effective medications or behavioral therapies for individuals struggling with cocaine use disorder.
How similar studies have performed: This project builds upon previous successful funding periods, extending characterization of sex- and social-rank differences in cocaine self-administration.
Where this research is happening
Winston-Salem, United States
- Wake Forest University Health Sciences — Winston-Salem, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nader, Michael a — Wake Forest University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Nader, Michael a
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.