Understanding how opioid withdrawal affects brain changes and behavior

IDENTIFYING EPIGENOMICS AND CONNECTOMICS OF PROTRACTED OPIOID WITHDRAWAL AND RELAPSE USING CELLULAR BARCODING

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY · NIH-10874720

This study is looking at how quitting opioids affects the brain over time by tracking changes in brain cells and their connections, helping us understand what happens in the brain during withdrawal and why some people might relapse.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorJOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10874720 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the long-term effects of opioid withdrawal on the brain by examining changes in gene expression and neural connectivity. Using advanced techniques like cellular barcoding, researchers will label and track thousands of neurons to understand how they interact and change over time after opioid exposure. The study aims to bridge the gap between different biological measurements to provide a comprehensive view of how opioid addiction affects the brain at a cellular level. By mapping these changes in 3D, the research seeks to uncover the underlying mechanisms that contribute to withdrawal and relapse.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a history of opioid use who are experiencing withdrawal symptoms.

Not a fit: Patients who have not used opioids or are not experiencing withdrawal 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 opioid addiction.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in understanding the neurobiological changes associated with addiction, but this approach using cellular barcoding is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.