Understanding how brain processes contribute to opioid addiction
Official title: Molecular and Neuroanatomical Processes of Opioid addiction
Funded at Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j. · NIH-10763820 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain and emotional factors might make some people more likely to become addicted to opioids, using a rodent model to understand these differences better, which could help identify those at higher risk for opioid use disorder.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Piscataway, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $48,285 |
| NIH project number | 5F31DA057836-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10763820 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a history of opioid use or those at risk for opioid use disorder due to emotional or behavioral factors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not use opioids or have no risk factors for opioid use disorder may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the molecular and neuroanatomical factors that influence susceptibility to opioid addiction. By examining individual differences in emotional responses, pain sensitivity, and behaviors in a rodent model, the study aims to identify specific brain pathways involved in addiction. The researchers will use advanced techniques such as transcriptomics and chemogenetic manipulation to analyze how stress affects opioid receptor expression in the brain. This approach may help in predicting who is at greater risk for developing opioid use disorder.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better prevention strategies and treatments for opioid addiction.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding addiction through similar neuroanatomical and molecular approaches.
Where this research is happening
-
Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j.
Piscataway, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: O'brien, Christopher M — Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j.
- Study coordinator: O'brien, Christopher M
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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.