Understanding how hormones affect opioid relapse in new mothers
Official title: Hormonal Response to Infant Caregiving: A Novel Strategy to Break the Opioid Relapse Cycle during the Postpartum Period
Funded at University of Arizona · NIH-10001201 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how taking care of a baby affects hormones in new moms and how these changes might help them stay on track after struggling with opioid use, with the hope of finding better ways to support them during this important time.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Arizona NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tucson, United States) |
| Project start | September 22, 2020 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2020 |
| Award (this year) | $2,302,500 |
| NIH project number | 1DP2HD105541-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10001201 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are postpartum women who have a history of opioid use disorder and are at risk of relapse.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not postpartum or do not have a history of opioid use disorder may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the hormonal changes that occur during infant caregiving and how these changes can help prevent opioid relapse in postpartum women. By examining hormones like cortisol, progesterone, and oxytocin, the study aims to develop new strategies to support mothers recovering from opioid use disorder. The approach includes innovative methodologies to assess hormonal responses over time and their relationship to caregiving behaviors. The ultimate goal is to create effective interventions that can reduce the risk of relapse during the vulnerable postpartum period.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide new therapeutic strategies to help mothers avoid relapse into opioid use, improving health outcomes for both mothers and their infants.
How similar studies have gone: While there is limited research specifically targeting hormonal interventions for postpartum opioid relapse, similar studies have shown promise in using hormonal approaches for substance use disorders.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Arizona
Tucson, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Allen, Alicia M — University of Arizona
- Study coordinator: Allen, Alicia M
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Personalized treatment for women with opioid use disorder after childbirth
This study is looking to create better treatment plans for women with opioid use disorder after they give birth, by personalizing care to fit their unique needs and helping them stay healthy and supported during this important time.
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This study is looking at how certain substances in urine can help predict if women with HIV might gain too much weight during and after pregnancy, so we can find ways to support their health and prevent future issues like diabetes and heart problems.
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.