Understanding how the brain functions during opioid withdrawal

Functional connectivity mechanisms of opioid abstinence

NIH-funded research Yale University · NIH-11128759

This study is looking at how the brain works in people with opioid use disorder to see how it affects sticking to treatment and avoiding relapse, so we can find better ways to help individuals recover while they’re using medications like methadone or buprenorphine.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionYale University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New Haven, United States)
Project IDNIH-11128759 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the brain mechanisms involved in opioid use disorder (OUD) and how they relate to treatment adherence and relapse during early medication-assisted treatment. By analyzing brain networks in a diverse group of individuals receiving methadone or buprenorphine, the study aims to identify patterns that predict both illicit opioid use and adherence to treatment. The approach utilizes advanced network-based analysis to uncover critical insights into the neurobiological factors influencing recovery from OUD. This understanding could lead to the development of more effective interventions tailored to individual needs.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with opioid use disorder who are in the early stages of medication-assisted treatment.

Not a fit: Patients who are not currently undergoing treatment for opioid use disorder or those with severe co-occurring mental health disorders may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies that enhance adherence and reduce relapse rates in individuals with opioid use disorder.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has successfully identified brain networks associated with relapse in opioid use disorder, indicating that this approach has potential for meaningful insights.

Where this research is happening

New Haven, 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 Affective Disorders
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.