Understanding how brain circuits influence alcohol seeking behavior
Official title: Circuit control of motivation to take and seek alcohol
Funded at Vanderbilt University · NIH-11087621 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how certain parts of the brain affect the urge to drink alcohol, especially for people struggling with Alcohol Use Disorder, and it aims to understand how negative feelings when not drinking might push them to keep drinking, which could help find better ways to prevent relapse.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | July 10, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $547,620 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AA030931-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11087621 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Alcohol Use Disorder who experience negative emotions when abstaining from alcohol.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have Alcohol Use Disorder or those who do not experience negative affective states related to alcohol abstinence may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how certain brain circuits are involved in the motivation to seek and consume alcohol, particularly in individuals with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). It focuses on the role of negative feelings that arise when alcohol consumption stops, which may drive individuals to continue drinking to avoid these unpleasant states. By examining specific neurons in the brain that respond to alcohol-related cues, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms behind alcohol-seeking behavior. This could lead to new insights into treatment strategies for preventing relapse in individuals with AUD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for Alcohol Use Disorder, helping patients manage their cravings and reduce the risk of relapse.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding the neural mechanisms of addiction, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights into alcohol use behaviors.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Calipari, Erin — Vanderbilt University
- Study coordinator: Calipari, Erin
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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.