Understanding how the brain processes opioid addiction and dependence
Official title: Elucidating behavior and neural circuits underlying opioid addiction and dependence
Funded at Baylor University · NIH-11013414 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the brain changes when someone becomes addicted to prescription painkillers like oxycodone, using rats to help understand what happens when they crave the drug or go through withdrawal, with the hope of finding better ways to help people overcome their addiction.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Waco, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2019 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $249,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R00DA047413-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11013414 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals struggling with opioid addiction or dependence, particularly those who have experienced withdrawal symptoms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not addicted to opioids or who do not have a history of substance abuse may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the neurobiological mechanisms behind addiction to prescription opioids, specifically oxycodone. Using a rat model, the study examines how changes in neural signaling affect drug-seeking behavior and withdrawal symptoms. The researchers employ advanced techniques such as behavioral pharmacology and chemogenetics to manipulate these neural systems, aiming to identify potential interventions for reducing opioid dependence. The findings could provide insights into the emotional and behavioral aspects of addiction.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that help reduce opioid addiction and improve recovery outcomes for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding addiction mechanisms through similar animal models, indicating that this approach is promising.
Where this research is happening
-
Baylor University
Waco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nguyen, Jacques Duchuy — Baylor University
- Study coordinator: Nguyen, Jacques Duchuy
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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.