Understanding how specific brain regions influence drug addiction and relapse

Circuitry and function of ventral striatum subregions

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA · NIH-10769766

This study is looking at how a specific part of the brain affects cravings for drugs, especially in people trying to recover from addiction, to help find better ways to support their recovery.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA (nih funded)
Locations1 site (GAINESVILLE, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10769766 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of the ventral striatum, a critical brain region involved in addiction, particularly focusing on the olfactory tubercle's influence on drug-seeking behavior. By studying how this area interacts with other parts of the brain, the research aims to uncover the neurobiological mechanisms that lead to relapse in individuals recovering from substance abuse. The approach includes using animal models to observe behaviors related to drug intake and reward processing, which may provide insights into potential therapeutic targets for addiction treatment.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a history of substance abuse or those at risk of relapse.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have a history of substance use or are not at risk of addiction may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for individuals struggling with substance abuse and reduce the rates of relapse.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the brain's reward circuitry, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights into addiction treatment.

Where this research is happening

GAINESVILLE, 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.