Understanding how a specific brain region affects addiction to amphetamines.
Official title: The Role of the Bed Nucleus of the Stria Terminalis-Norepinephrine System in Amphetamine-type Stimulant Use Disorders
Funded at State University of New York at Buffalo · NIH-10930024 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific part of the brain and its chemicals affect people who struggle with using stimulant drugs, like amphetamines, to help find new ways to treat addiction.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | State University of New York at Buffalo NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Amherst, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $669,826 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA056547-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10930024 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a history of amphetamine-type stimulant use disorders, including those struggling with addiction to substances like methamphetamine.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of stimulant use or those with other substance use disorders unrelated to amphetamines may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) and its norepinephrine (NE) system in amphetamine-type stimulant use disorders. By examining how NE transmission in the BNST influences behaviors related to addiction, the study aims to uncover new treatment targets for individuals struggling with stimulant use. The research employs advanced methodologies to analyze brain circuits and their interactions, focusing on the pathways that contribute to addiction and withdrawal responses. Patients may benefit from insights gained into the neurobiological mechanisms of addiction, potentially leading to new therapeutic strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of effective pharmacotherapies for treating amphetamine-type stimulant use disorders.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific focus on the BNST and norepinephrine in stimulant use disorders is relatively novel, previous studies have shown promise in targeting similar neurobiological pathways for addiction treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
State University of New York at Buffalo
Amherst, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Park, Jinwoo — State University of New York at Buffalo
- Study coordinator: Park, Jinwoo
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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.