Understanding how brain circuits influence heroin seeking behavior
Official title: Prefrontal circuits controlling heroin seeking
Funded at University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-11014689 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain pathways affect the desire to seek heroin and the ability to resist that urge, which could help improve treatments for people struggling with opioid use disorder.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $475,771 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DA061766-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11014689 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals struggling with opioid use disorder or those at risk of developing it.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have opioid use disorder or are not at risk for it may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the brain circuits in the prefrontal cortex that control the motivation to seek heroin and the ability to suppress those urges. By examining two opposing circuits, one that drives heroin seeking and another that limits it, the study aims to uncover how these pathways contribute to opioid use disorder (OUD). The researchers will use a preclinical model to explore various aspects of OUD, including relapse and the choice between heroin and non-drug rewards. This approach may help identify biomarkers associated with OUD and improve treatment strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that better manage cravings and reduce relapse in individuals with opioid use disorder.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding brain circuits related to addiction, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Peters, Jamie — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Peters, Jamie
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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.