Understanding how stress affects cocaine addiction relapse
Official title: The Role of Prelimbic Corticotrophin Releasing Factor Type 1 Receptor and L-Type Calcium Channels in Stress-induced Relapse
Funded at Yale University · NIH-11070442 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how stress can cause cravings for cocaine in people trying to stay sober, with the goal of finding new ways to help prevent relapse and improve treatment options.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2025 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $36,958 |
| NIH project number | 1F30DA062474-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11070442 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with cocaine use disorder who are experiencing challenges with relapse, especially under stress.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not struggling with cocaine addiction or those who have not experienced relapse may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the biological mechanisms that lead to relapse in individuals with cocaine use disorder, particularly focusing on the role of specific receptors and calcium channels in the brain. By examining how stress triggers cravings during abstinence, the study aims to identify potential targets for new treatments. The research will utilize advanced techniques to analyze genetic variants and their impact on brain function related to addiction. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to more effective therapies for preventing relapse.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies for individuals struggling with cocaine addiction, particularly in managing stress-related cravings.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise in understanding the role of specific receptors in addiction, but this particular focus on the prelimbic cortex and its relation to stress-induced relapse is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Yale University
New Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Uchendu, Stacy Ndidi — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Uchendu, Stacy Ndidi
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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.