Understanding harm avoidance in people who abuse multiple substances
Nature and Predictors of Impaired Harm Avoidance in Polysubstance Abuse
This study looks at how people who struggle with using multiple substances, especially opioids, may have a harder time avoiding risky behaviors, like overdosing or getting into trouble, and it aims to find out why this happens so we can improve support and treatment for them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston University (Charles River Campus) NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10651802 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how individuals with polysubstance abuse, particularly those using opioids, exhibit deficits in harm avoidance. By studying both animal models and human participants, the research aims to identify the underlying factors contributing to these deficits, which may include pre-existing control issues and the effects of drug use. The study employs various behavioral assessments to evaluate how these deficits manifest in risky behaviors, such as drug overdoses and criminal activities. Ultimately, the goal is to inform better treatment and prevention strategies for those affected by polysubstance abuse.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who engage in polysubstance abuse, particularly those using opioids alongside other substances.
Not a fit: Patients who only use a single substance or do not engage in substance abuse may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies that reduce the risk of overdose and other harmful behaviors in individuals with polysubstance abuse.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding harm avoidance in substance abuse, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Boston University (Charles River Campus) — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Otto, Michael W. — Boston University (Charles River Campus)
- Study coordinator: Otto, Michael W.
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.