Understanding how negative experiences affect motivation and behavior
Aversion signals in the reward system
This study is looking at how tough life events affect feelings and choices in people dealing with substance abuse, and it hopes to find ways to help them stay away from drugs by understanding how these experiences change brain activity.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Marquette University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Milwaukee, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10570985 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how negative environmental events impact emotional states and decision-making, particularly in individuals with substance abuse disorders. It aims to understand the mechanisms by which these aversive stimuli influence the brain's reward system, specifically focusing on dopamine signaling in the nucleus accumbens. By utilizing advanced techniques like in vivo fast scan cyclic voltammetry, the study seeks to uncover how reductions in dopamine levels can alter neuronal activity and behavior. The ultimate goal is to develop strategies to help individuals maintain abstinence from substances by mitigating the effects of aversive experiences.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with substance abuse disorders who are currently attempting to remain abstinent.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have substance abuse disorders or are not seeking to maintain abstinence may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing relapse in individuals recovering from substance abuse disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of dopamine in behavior, but this specific approach to aversive stimuli and its effects on motivation is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Milwaukee, United States
- Marquette University — Milwaukee, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wheeler, Robert a — Marquette University
- Study coordinator: Wheeler, Robert a
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.