Understanding how alcoholism may lead to chronic pain.
Official title: Identifying Markers of Chronic Pain Development in Alcoholism
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-10816590 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how drinking problems might affect pain in people recovering from alcoholism, and it hopes to find out if changes in the brain could help explain why some of these individuals experience chronic pain.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | May 10, 2020 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $180,749 |
| NIH project number | 5K01AA027833-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10816590 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have a history of alcohol use disorder and are currently abstinent.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of alcohol use disorder or are currently active drinkers may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between alcohol use disorder (AUD) and the development of chronic pain. It aims to identify whether AUD damages the brain's pain modulation pathways and how this might predict chronic pain in individuals recovering from alcoholism. By utilizing neuroimaging and sensory testing on a group of abstinent alcoholics, the study seeks to uncover the underlying mechanisms linking these two conditions. The findings could provide valuable insights into how to better manage pain in patients with a history of alcohol use.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved pain management strategies for individuals with a history of alcoholism.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the links between alcohol use and pain, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Maleki, Nasim — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Maleki, Nasim
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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.