Understanding how drug-related cues influence addiction behaviors
Neural basis of incentive and expected value representations
This study is looking at how reminders of drugs can trigger cravings and relapse in people recovering from addiction, and it aims to find new ways to help treat addiction by understanding how certain brain areas respond to these reminders.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10993103 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how cues associated with drugs can drive addiction behaviors, such as increased drug use and relapse, even after long periods of abstinence. It focuses on the ventral pallidum, a brain region involved in both addiction and positive feelings, to identify specific neural populations that encode the incentive value of these cues. By understanding the neural circuits that differentiate between cue-driven behaviors and goal-directed actions, the research aims to uncover new targets for addiction treatment. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to more effective therapies for addiction.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals struggling with addiction or those who have a history of substance use disorders.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have a history of addiction or substance use disorders may not receive direct benefits from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for addiction by targeting specific brain circuits involved in drug-seeking behavior.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the neural mechanisms of addiction, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
Minneapolis, United States
- University of Minnesota — Minneapolis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Richard, Jocelyn M — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Richard, Jocelyn M
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 below.