Understanding how specific brain circuits influence drug-seeking behavior in addiction
Official title: Dissecting Ventral Pallidal Subcircuit Contributions to Drug Seeking in Addiction
Funded at University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-10875076 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific part of the brain affects cravings and relapses in people dealing with addiction, with the hope of finding new ways to help those who are trying to overcome substance use issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project start | June 26, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $361,532 |
| NIH project number | 7DP5OD026407-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-10875076 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a history of substance use disorders who experience cravings and relapse.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not currently struggling with addiction or who have not experienced drug cravings may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of the ventral pallidum, a part of the brain involved in addiction, in driving drug-seeking behavior and relapse. By examining the neural circuits and cellular changes associated with addiction, the study aims to uncover how these brain areas interact during cravings and relapse episodes. The approach includes analyzing neuronal activity and the types of neurons present in the ventral pallidum, which may lead to new insights into addiction mechanisms. This could ultimately inform the development of targeted therapies for individuals struggling with substance use disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies that effectively reduce relapse rates in individuals with drug addiction.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding the neural circuits involved in addiction, but this specific focus on the ventral pallidum is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Heinsbroek, Jasper — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Heinsbroek, Jasper
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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.