Understanding how energy levels affect cravings during alcohol withdrawal
Official title: Metabolic control of cue reactivity during alcohol withdrawal
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10977069 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how the brain's energy levels change when someone stops drinking alcohol and how that might affect their cravings for it, with the hope of finding new ways to help people struggling with alcohol use.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2022 |
| Project end | April 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $37,515 |
| NIH project number | 5F32AA030475-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10977069 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing alcohol withdrawal or those diagnosed with alcohol use disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not currently experiencing alcohol withdrawal or do not have a history of alcohol use disorder may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how changes in brain metabolism during alcohol withdrawal can influence cravings for alcohol. It focuses on the relationship between energy deprivation in the brain and the activation of neural circuits associated with reward and craving. By analyzing brain activity and connectivity in specific regions, the study aims to uncover mechanisms that could lead to new treatments for alcohol use disorder. Patients may benefit from insights that could inform therapeutic strategies targeting cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic approaches that help manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms in individuals with alcohol use disorder.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the metabolic influences on cravings and withdrawal, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Brynildsen, Julia Katherine — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Brynildsen, Julia Katherine
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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.