Understanding how early social isolation affects heroin addiction and relapse
Neuronal Circuits and Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Early Social Isolation-Potentiated Heroin Seeking
['FUNDING_CAREER'] · UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS LAWRENCE · NIH-10892916
This study looks at how being socially isolated as a teenager might make someone more likely to struggle with heroin addiction later on, and it aims to understand how stress during those early years affects the brain and addiction, which could help improve ways to prevent and treat addiction in the future.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_CAREER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS LAWRENCE (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (LAWRENCE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-10892916 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of early social isolation on heroin addiction and the neurobiological mechanisms that contribute to relapse. By studying the effects of stress during adolescence, the research aims to uncover how these early life experiences can lead to increased vulnerability for drug-seeking behavior later in life. The approach includes examining the role of the prefrontal cortex and its connections to other brain regions involved in addiction. This could provide insights into how stress influences addiction and relapse, potentially leading to better prevention and treatment strategies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with a history of heroin use, particularly those who experienced social isolation during adolescence.
Not a fit: Patients who have not used heroin or do not have a history of substance abuse may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved interventions for preventing relapse in individuals recovering from heroin addiction.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown that early life stress can significantly impact addiction behaviors, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
LAWRENCE, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS LAWRENCE — LAWRENCE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: WANG, ZIJUN — UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS LAWRENCE
- Study coordinator: WANG, ZIJUN
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.
Conditions: Candidate Disease Gene