Understanding how the brain influences opioid addiction despite negative consequences
Dissecting ventral pallidal plasticity in punishment-resistant opioid self-administration
This study is looking at how the brain works in people with opioid addiction to understand why some can stop using opioids when they face negative consequences, while others can't, and it hopes to find new ways to help those who are struggling with this issue.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11055419 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the brain mechanisms that contribute to opioid use disorder, particularly focusing on why some individuals continue to seek opioids even when faced with negative outcomes. By studying the ventral pallidum, a brain region involved in reward processing, the research aims to identify the neural pathways that differentiate between those who can stop using opioids when punished and those who cannot. The approach involves animal models to observe behavior and brain activity in response to opioid administration and punishment. Insights gained could lead to better treatment strategies for individuals struggling with opioid addiction.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with opioid use disorder who have a history of compulsive drug-seeking behavior despite negative consequences.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have opioid use disorder or those who have not experienced compulsive drug-seeking behavior may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic approaches for treating opioid use disorder, potentially reducing the number of individuals who relapse into compulsive drug use.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the neural mechanisms of addiction, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Creed, Meaghan C — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Creed, Meaghan C
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.