Understanding how pain and learning affect alcohol use disorders
Avoidance learning and pain circuit dysfunction in alcohol use disorders
This study is looking at how people with alcohol use disorders experience pain and learn to avoid it, using brain scans to see how their brains work differently compared to social drinkers, which could help us understand why it's tough for them to quit drinking even with treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11169397 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between avoidance learning and pain in individuals with alcohol use disorders (AUD). By using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), the study aims to identify how brain circuits involved in pain and cognitive control function differently in AUD patients compared to social drinkers. The research will also explore how these brain functions relate to the patients' behaviors and experiences with alcohol, particularly in the context of treatment and relapse. This could provide insights into why many individuals with AUD struggle to stop drinking despite treatment efforts.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who are seeking treatment for alcohol use disorders.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have alcohol use disorders or are not actively seeking treatment may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies for individuals with alcohol use disorders by addressing the underlying mechanisms of their condition.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the neural mechanisms of addiction, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
New Haven, United States
- Yale University — New Haven, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Le, Thang Manh — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Le, Thang Manh
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.