Understanding how stress and alcohol interact in the brain
4/8: INIA Stress and Chronic Alcohol Interactions: Role of corticotropin-releasing factor in cortico- and thalamo-striatal pathways in regulating alcohol-stress interactions
This study is looking at how stress impacts drinking habits and recovery in people with alcohol use disorder, aiming to understand the brain changes that happen when someone is stressed or trying to quit drinking.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical University of South Carolina NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charleston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11012802 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the complex relationship between stress and alcohol use disorder (AUD), focusing on how stress affects brain pathways involved in alcohol consumption and withdrawal. By examining the role of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) in specific brain regions, the study aims to uncover the molecular and cellular changes that occur during alcohol abstinence and stress. The research utilizes both human and animal models to explore how these factors contribute to cognitive deficits and relapse behaviors in individuals with AUD.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals struggling with alcohol use disorder, particularly those experiencing stress-related cognitive challenges.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have alcohol use disorder or those who are not affected by stress-related cognitive issues may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for alcohol use disorder by targeting the underlying neurobiological mechanisms affected by stress.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the interactions between stress and alcohol use, indicating that this approach has potential for significant insights.
Where this research is happening
Charleston, United States
- Medical University of South Carolina — Charleston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rinker, Jennifer Anne — Medical University of South Carolina
- Study coordinator: Rinker, Jennifer Anne
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.