Understanding how trauma affects alcohol use in women and minorities
Official title: Sex differences in reward neurocircuitry underlying alcohol craving and consumption in trauma-exposed individuals
Funded at Emory University · NIH-10930896 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how trauma and PTSD might lead some women and people from different racial and ethnic backgrounds to drink more alcohol, using brain scans to understand what's happening, so we can find better ways to help those affected.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | September 18, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $134,967 |
| NIH project number | 5K99AA031333-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10930896 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women and racial/ethnic minorities who have experienced trauma and struggle with alcohol use.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of trauma or alcohol use may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the brain mechanisms that link posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol consumption, particularly focusing on women and racial/ethnic minority groups. By using advanced neuroimaging techniques, the study aims to identify how trauma exposure may increase the risk of alcohol use in these populations. Participants may engage in assessments that explore their experiences with trauma and alcohol, contributing to a better understanding of these complex relationships. The findings could lead to improved interventions tailored to the unique needs of these groups.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for alcohol use disorders in trauma-exposed individuals.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the neurobiological links between trauma and substance use, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Emory University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hinojosa, Cecilia a — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Hinojosa, Cecilia a
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.