Understanding how the brain controls heroin and alcohol use
Official title: Prefrontal mechanisms underlying polydrug heroin and alcohol use
Funded at University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-10919845 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how the brain works when people use both heroin and alcohol together, especially focusing on a part of the brain that helps control cravings, to find better ways to help those dealing with addiction.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $492,189 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA058951-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10919845 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are struggling with both opioid and alcohol use disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are only dealing with single-drug use disorders, such as only alcohol or only opioids, may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the brain mechanisms involved in the co-use of heroin and alcohol, focusing on the prefrontal cortex, which is crucial for controlling cravings and preventing relapse. By studying how specific brain cells respond to these substances, the research aims to uncover the underlying factors that contribute to addiction. The approach includes using animal models to observe changes in brain function and structure related to substance use disorders. This could lead to better treatment strategies for individuals struggling with addiction.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved therapies for individuals with opioid and alcohol use disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding the brain's mechanisms in addiction can lead to significant advancements in treatment, suggesting this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Peters, Jamie — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Peters, Jamie
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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.