Understanding lasting oxycodone cravings
Official title: Cellular and circuit adaptations contributing to the incubation of oxycodone craving
Funded at North Central College · NIH-11159750 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This research looks at why cravings for oxycodone can last a long time after someone stops using it, and explores new ways to help reduce these cravings.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | North Central College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Naperville, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $159,443 |
| NIH project number | 5R16DA062584-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11159750 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This foundational research is currently conducted in animal models, so it does not involve direct patient participation at this stage.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not experiencing oxycodone addiction or long-lasting cravings would not directly benefit from this particular research.
What this research studies
Many people struggling with opioid addiction face long-lasting cravings, making it hard to stay sober. This project aims to understand the brain changes that cause these intense cravings for oxycodone to grow stronger over time, even after someone has stopped using the drug. Researchers are exploring how certain brain cell connections, specifically involving AMPA receptors, adapt in ways that contribute to these persistent cravings. They are also testing if a medication like ketamine, given during withdrawal, could help reverse these brain changes and reduce the intensity of cravings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that help reduce the intense, long-lasting cravings experienced by people recovering from oxycodone addiction.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown similar brain changes with other drugs of abuse, and there is growing interest in ketamine as a potential treatment for substance use disorders.
Where this research is happening
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North Central College
Naperville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stefanik, Michael Thomas — North Central College
- Study coordinator: Stefanik, Michael Thomas
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Understanding how brain changes after oxycodone exposure affect craving
This project looks at why craving for oxycodone grows stronger after stopping use, by studying brain changes in a rat model and exploring a potential treatment with ketamine.
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Understanding how cravings for oxycodone develop and persist after withdrawal
This study looks at how the brain changes when someone stops using oxycodone and why cravings can get stronger over time, and it’s testing if ketamine might help reduce those cravings to support people recovering from opioid addiction.
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.