Understanding how social connections protect against opioid craving
Genomic profiling mediating the protective effect of social reward on opioid craving
This research explores how social connections might help people reduce their desire for opioids and prevent relapse.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Maryland Baltimore NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11127392 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The ongoing opioid crisis highlights a critical need for new ways to prevent relapse, as current treatments often fall short. This project explores a new idea: that social interaction could be a powerful tool to help people overcome opioid craving. Researchers are using advanced techniques to understand the brain changes and genetic factors that allow social connections to reduce the desire for opioids. By uncovering these mechanisms, we hope to develop better strategies to support long-term recovery.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: While this initial research uses animal models, the findings are intended to ultimately benefit individuals struggling with opioid use disorder and frequent relapses.
Not a fit: Patients who are not affected by opioid use disorder or craving would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new, non-medication-based strategies to help individuals with opioid use disorder maintain abstinence and prevent relapse.
How similar studies have performed: This approach is novel, building on recent findings in animal models that social interaction can prevent drug seeking, but the underlying mechanisms are currently unknown.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- University of Maryland Baltimore — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Venniro, Marco — University of Maryland Baltimore
- Study coordinator: Venniro, Marco
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.