Understanding how individual differences affect responses to alcohol cues
Official title: A translational human laboratory Pavlovian conditioning model of individual differences in risk for alcohol cue incentive salience sensitization and longitudinal assessment of problematic alcohol use
Funded at University of Missouri-Columbia · NIH-11089117 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how past drinking experiences might make some people more drawn to alcohol-related triggers, and it's for anyone interested in understanding the psychological and brain factors behind alcohol use disorder, with hopes of finding better ways to help those at risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Missouri-Columbia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbia, United States) |
| Project start | August 25, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $248,999 |
| NIH project number | 4R00AA029169-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11089117 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 who have experienced issues with alcohol consumption or are at risk for developing alcohol use disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not consume alcohol or have no history of alcohol-related issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how certain individuals may develop a heightened desire for alcohol cues due to previous drinking experiences. By using a combination of human laboratory models and preclinical studies, the research aims to identify neurobehavioral mechanisms that contribute to alcohol use disorder (AUD). Participants will engage in assessments that explore their responses to alcohol-related cues, helping to understand the psychological and neurological factors involved in AUD. The findings could lead to better-targeted interventions for those at risk of developing problematic alcohol use.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prevention and treatment strategies for individuals at risk of alcohol use disorder.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the neurobehavioral mechanisms of addiction, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Missouri-Columbia
Columbia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cofresi, Roberto U — University of Missouri-Columbia
- Study coordinator: Cofresi, Roberto U
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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.