Understanding how cravings for oxycodone develop and persist after withdrawal
Official title: Cellular and circuit adaptations contributing to the incubation of oxycodone craving
Funded at North Central College · NIH-10936968 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how the brain changes when someone stops using oxycodone and why cravings can get stronger over time, and it’s testing if ketamine might help reduce those cravings to support people recovering from opioid addiction.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | North Central College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Naperville, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $159,201 |
| NIH project number | 1R16DA062584-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10936968 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a history of oxycodone use or opioid addiction who are seeking treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not struggling with opioid addiction or those who have not used oxycodone may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the biological changes in the brain that contribute to cravings for oxycodone, particularly after a period of abstinence. It focuses on how certain receptors in the brain adapt during drug use and withdrawal, leading to increased cravings over time. The study uses animal models to explore the effects of a potential treatment, ketamine, which may help reduce these cravings. By examining these mechanisms, the research aims to identify new strategies for preventing relapse in individuals recovering from opioid addiction.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that effectively reduce cravings and prevent relapse in individuals recovering from opioid addiction.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results using similar approaches to address cravings and relapse in substance use disorders, particularly with the use of ketamine.
Where this research is happening
-
North Central College
Naperville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stefanik, Michael Thomas — North Central College
- Study coordinator: Stefanik, Michael Thomas
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Understanding how brain changes after oxycodone exposure affect craving
This project looks at why craving for oxycodone grows stronger after stopping use, by studying brain changes in a rat model and exploring a potential treatment with ketamine.
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Understanding lasting oxycodone cravings
This research looks at why cravings for oxycodone can last a long time after someone stops using it, and explores new ways to help reduce these cravings.
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.