Understanding how anxiety affects alcohol use during early recovery
Official title: Negative reinforcement in early abstinence from an alcohol use disorder
Funded at University of Nebraska Medical Center · NIH-11069767 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how anxiety affects people recovering from alcohol use disorder and whether it makes them more likely to relapse, with the goal of finding better ways to help them stay sober.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Nebraska Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Omaha, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $79,456 |
| NIH project number | 1F32AA032170-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11069767 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who are in early recovery from alcohol use disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not currently experiencing alcohol use disorder or those who have not recently attempted to abstain from alcohol may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of anxiety in individuals recovering from alcohol use disorder (AUD) and how it influences their likelihood of relapse. It focuses on the brain's negative reinforcement mechanisms, particularly in a region called the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST), which is linked to stress and anxiety. By studying both animal models and human behaviors, the research aims to uncover how anxiety during abstinence drives individuals back to alcohol use, potentially leading to more effective treatment strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment options that help individuals maintain abstinence from alcohol by addressing anxiety-related triggers.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding the role of negative reinforcement in addiction can lead to significant advancements in treatment approaches, indicating that this area of study has potential for impactful findings.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Nebraska Medical Center
Omaha, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zabik, Nicole Lauren — University of Nebraska Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Zabik, Nicole Lauren
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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.