Understanding how addiction affects women differently than men
Sex Differences in Addiction
This study is looking at the special challenges women face when trying to stay off drugs, and it aims to find better ways to help them succeed by understanding how their minds and bodies work differently than men's.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Mississippi Med Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Jackson, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10795835 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the unique challenges women face in maintaining abstinence from drugs, focusing on the psychological and biological differences between genders. It utilizes a novel behavioral model called the seeking-persistence paradigm to explore how interventions during initial abstinence can influence long-term drug-seeking behaviors. By combining this model with advanced techniques like electrophysiology and functional genomics, the study aims to uncover sex-specific mechanisms that contribute to addiction and relapse. The ultimate goal is to identify new therapeutic targets that can improve treatment outcomes for women struggling with substance abuse.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are women who are struggling with substance abuse and have difficulty maintaining abstinence.
Not a fit: Patients who are not women or those who do not have issues with substance abuse may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective addiction treatments tailored specifically for women.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated that understanding sex differences in addiction can lead to improved treatment strategies, suggesting that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
Jackson, United States
- University of Mississippi Med Ctr — Jackson, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kohtz, Amy — University of Mississippi Med Ctr
- Study coordinator: Kohtz, Amy
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.