Understanding cravings for drugs in both humans and animals
Official title: Neural and Behavioral Representations of a Transdisciplinary Model of Craving in Normative and Substance Use Populations
Funded at Temple Univ of the Commonwealth · NIH-11074863 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at why people with substance use disorders feel strong cravings for drugs and how those cravings can lead to relapse, using brain scans to understand both animal and human experiences, with the hope of finding better ways to help everyone manage their cravings.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Temple Univ of the Commonwealth NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $35,765 |
| NIH project number | 1F99NS141441-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11074863 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a history of substance use disorders who are currently in abstinence.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not experiencing cravings or who have never used substances may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the intense desire for drugs, known as craving, which can lead to relapse in individuals with substance use disorders. It aims to bridge the gap between how cravings are measured in animals and humans, using advanced fMRI techniques to explore the neural and behavioral aspects of craving. By examining both habitual behaviors in animal models and self-reported feelings in humans, the study seeks to identify the cognitive and emotional mechanisms that contribute to craving. This approach may help develop a unified understanding of craving across species.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing relapse in individuals recovering from substance use disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding cravings through various behavioral and neurobiological approaches, indicating that this study builds on established findings.
Where this research is happening
-
Temple Univ of the Commonwealth
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ruiz, Nicholas — Temple Univ of the Commonwealth
- Study coordinator: Ruiz, Nicholas
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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.