Understanding how the brain's prefrontal cortex affects alcohol use in people with chronic pain
Official title: Prelimbic cortex contribution to ethanol seeking in chronic neuropathic pain
Funded at Drexel University · NIH-10936535 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how chronic pain affects people’s desire to drink alcohol and how certain parts of the brain are involved, with the hope of finding better ways to help those who struggle with both pain and alcohol use.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Drexel University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | September 26, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $179,906 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AA030823-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10936535 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who suffer from chronic neuropathic pain and have a history of alcohol use.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have chronic pain or those who do not consume alcohol may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between chronic neuropathic pain and alcohol use disorders, focusing on how the prefrontal cortex influences alcohol-seeking behavior in individuals experiencing chronic pain. By studying animal models, the researchers aim to uncover the neurobiological mechanisms that lead to increased alcohol consumption among those with chronic pain. The project will explore how pain intensity and the desire for alcohol interact, potentially leading to better treatment strategies for patients. The findings could provide insights into the brain circuits involved in both pain and alcohol use, which may help in developing targeted therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for individuals with chronic pain who struggle with alcohol use disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the neurobiological links between chronic pain and alcohol use, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Drexel University
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Barker, Jacqueline M — Drexel University
- Study coordinator: Barker, Jacqueline M
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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.