Understanding how cocaine use affects brain responses to negative stimuli
Official title: Defining Disruptions to Dopaminergic Control of Striatal Activity after Chronic Cocaine Use
Funded at Vanderbilt University · NIH-10902596 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how long-term cocaine use changes the way the brain reacts to negative experiences, which could help us find better ways to support people dealing with cocaine addiction.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $77,284 |
| NIH project number | 1F32DA060662-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10902596 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with cocaine use disorder who may benefit from improved treatment strategies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of cocaine use or those with other substance use disorders unrelated to cocaine may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how chronic cocaine use alters the brain's ability to process non-drug related negative stimuli, which can impact behavior and treatment outcomes for individuals with cocaine use disorder. By focusing on the mesolimbic dopamine system, the study aims to understand the relationship between dopamine release and the brain's response to aversive stimuli. The research utilizes animal models to explore how these changes in dopamine signaling affect specific cell types in the nucleus accumbens, a key brain region involved in reward and aversion. The findings could provide insights into improving treatment strategies for those struggling with cocaine addiction.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better treatment approaches for individuals with cocaine use disorder by enhancing our understanding of how their brains process negative consequences.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding the neural mechanisms of addiction can lead to significant advancements in treatment, suggesting that this approach has the potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Leonard, Michael Z. — Vanderbilt University
- Study coordinator: Leonard, Michael Z.
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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.