Understanding how the brain influences alcohol-seeking behavior
Official title: Role of Orbitofrontal Cortex in Maladaptive Ethanol Seeking
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11069587 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a part of the brain helps people decide whether to drink alcohol, especially when they know there could be negative outcomes, and it’s aimed at understanding why some people find it harder to resist drinking than others.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | September 16, 2024 |
| Project end | September 15, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $48,974 |
| NIH project number | 1F31AA031601-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11069587 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals struggling with Alcohol Use Disorder or those who have a history of problematic alcohol consumption.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have issues with alcohol consumption or those who are not interested in behavioral interventions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of the orbitofrontal cortex in how individuals make decisions about alcohol consumption, especially when faced with negative consequences. By using advanced imaging techniques and optogenetics, the study aims to understand how brain activity affects the ability to resist the urge to drink alcohol despite potential punishments. The research will involve animal models to explore the differences in behavior between those who are sensitive to punishment and those who are not, providing insights into the underlying mechanisms of Alcohol Use Disorder.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for treating Alcohol Use Disorder by targeting specific brain functions involved in decision-making and impulse control.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the brain's role in addiction, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Soto, Samantha — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Soto, Samantha
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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.