Understanding how traumatic brain injury and opioids affect addiction risks
Official title: TBI and opioid interactions in addiction-related outcomes
Funded at Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center · NIH-10993872 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a traumatic brain injury might increase the chances of developing problems with opioid use, using animal models to understand the connection better, and it could help us learn more about why some people struggle with addiction after a brain injury.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Milwaukee, United States) |
| Project start | November 1, 2024 |
| Project end | October 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 1I01RX004768-01A2 |
| Project ID | NIH-10993872 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have suffered a traumatic brain injury and are at risk for developing substance use disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not experienced a traumatic brain injury or do not have a history of substance use may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between traumatic brain injury (TBI) and the risk of developing substance use disorders, particularly focusing on opioid addiction. It utilizes rodent models to explore how TBI influences opioid self-administration and drug-seeking behavior. By employing advanced imaging techniques, the study aims to uncover the physiological interactions between TBI and opioids that may lead to increased addiction risks. The findings could provide insights into the mechanisms behind substance abuse following brain injuries.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prevention and treatment strategies for opioid addiction in patients who have experienced traumatic brain injuries.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown significant correlations between TBI and substance abuse, indicating that this area of investigation is both relevant and necessary.
Where this research is happening
-
Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center
Milwaukee, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stemper, Brian D — Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Stemper, Brian D
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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.