Understanding how cravings influence decisions in opioid use disorders

Decision Neuroscience of Craving

NIH-funded research Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences · NIH-10873960

This study is looking at how cravings for opioids affect the choices people with opioid use disorders make, and it aims to help find better ways to treat these cravings to prevent relapse.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionRutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-10873960 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the neurobiological mechanisms behind cravings in individuals with opioid use disorders (OUD) and how these cravings affect decision-making. By utilizing advanced decision neuroscience techniques, the study aims to create a precise model that links the brain's response to cravings with the choices individuals make regarding drug use. Participants will engage in experimental tasks designed to measure their decision processes during cravings, providing insights into how cravings can lead to drug-seeking behavior. The findings could lead to improved treatment strategies that specifically target cravings to reduce relapse rates.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with opioid use disorders who experience significant cravings.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have opioid use disorders or those who do not experience cravings may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for opioid use disorders by addressing the root causes of cravings.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research in decision neuroscience has shown promise in understanding addiction and cravings, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Newark, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.