Understanding how social interactions can reduce cravings for opioids
Genomic profiling mediating the protective effect of social reward on opioid craving
This study is looking at how spending time with friends can help reduce cravings for opioids, like heroin, and it's being tested in rats to understand how our brains work in these situations, which could lead to new ways to help people struggling with addiction.
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-10871878 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how social rewards can help reduce cravings for opioids, which is a significant issue in the ongoing opioid crisis. By using a rat model, the study examines the genetic and neural mechanisms that allow social interactions to provide a protective effect against heroin cravings. The researchers aim to identify specific genomic profiles in the brain's amygdala that contribute to this effect, potentially leading to new treatment strategies for opioid use disorders. The findings could help develop alternative interventions that incorporate social factors into addiction treatment.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals struggling with opioid use disorders who may benefit from new treatment approaches that include social support.
Not a fit: Patients who are not currently experiencing opioid cravings or who are not engaged in treatment for opioid use disorders may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative treatments that utilize social interactions to help individuals overcome opioid cravings and reduce relapse rates.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of integrating social rewards into opioid treatment is novel, similar studies have shown that social factors can influence addiction outcomes.
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.