Understanding how brain processes affect treatment success in young adults with opioid addiction

Multivariate Modeling of the Neural Mechanisms of Treatment Response in Opioid Addiction

['FUNDING_CAREER'] · UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA · NIH-11049060

This study is looking at how the brain affects the success of treatment for young adults aged 18 to 34 who are dealing with opioid use disorder, using special brain scans to help understand who might have a harder time sticking to their treatment plan with a medication called naltrexone.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_CAREER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA (nih funded)
Locations1 site (PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11049060 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the brain mechanisms that influence treatment outcomes in young adults suffering from opioid use disorder (OUD). By utilizing advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and machine learning techniques, the study aims to identify neurocognitive factors that contribute to treatment adherence and relapse. Participants aged 18 to 34 will be monitored before and during their initial three months of treatment with an injectable medication called naltrexone. The research will analyze brain structure and function to better predict who may struggle with treatment, thereby improving future interventions.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are young adults aged 18 to 34 who are diagnosed with opioid use disorder and are beginning treatment with naltrexone.

Not a fit: Patients outside the age range of 18 to 34 or those not diagnosed with opioid use disorder may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more personalized and effective treatment strategies for young adults with opioid addiction.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using MRI and machine learning to understand treatment responses in addiction, indicating that this approach may yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: addictive disorder

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.