Understanding how stress affects drug use in people with opioid addiction

Neural, endocrine, and behavioral markers of psychosocial stress predicting drug use outcomes in human opioid addiction

NIH-funded research State University New York Stony Brook · NIH-11012796

This study is looking at how stress affects people with opioid use disorder who are trying to overcome their addiction, to help improve their treatment and reduce the chances of relapse.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionState University New York Stony Brook NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Stony Brook, United States)
Project IDNIH-11012796 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the relationship between psychosocial stress and drug use outcomes in individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD). It aims to translate findings from animal models to human patients undergoing medication-assisted treatment for heroin addiction. The study will assess both chronic and acute stress markers through behavioral tasks and brain imaging to understand how stress influences addiction behaviors. By identifying these stress markers, the research seeks to improve treatment adherence and reduce relapse rates among patients.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with opioid use disorder who are currently stabilized on medication-assisted treatment.

Not a fit: Patients who are not currently undergoing treatment for opioid use disorder or those with other substance use disorders may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatment strategies for individuals struggling with opioid addiction by addressing the role of stress in relapse.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that understanding the impact of stress on addiction can lead to significant advancements in treatment approaches, suggesting this study builds on established findings.

Where this research is happening

Stony Brook, 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.
Conditions addictive disorder
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.