Understanding mu and kappa opioid receptors in alcohol use disorder
Official title: Investigating the Mu:Kappa Opioid Receptor Imbalance in Alcohol Use Disorder
Funded at Yale University · NIH-11404926 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study using PET scans and computer analysis to see how mu and kappa opioid receptors relate to cravings and relapse risk for adults trying to quit drinking.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $711,864 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AA030528-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11404926 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults 21 years and older with alcohol use disorder who are willing to attempt abstinence.
✕Less likely to help
If you are unable to undergo PET imaging or have relevant contraindications, this study may not benefit you.
What this research studies
If you have alcohol use disorder and are considering quitting, this study will scan your brain to measure mu and kappa opioid receptors and use machine learning to link those measures to cravings, mood, and withdrawal during a quit attempt. The goal is to understand how the balance of these receptors affects relapse so future therapies can be tailored to you. Participants will undergo PET imaging sessions and complete questionnaires and clinical assessments over the study period. This work could pave the way for personalized treatments that improve your chances of staying abstinent.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could lead to more effective, personalized treatments that reduce cravings and relapse during quit attempts.
How similar studies have gone: Previous PET studies have examined MOR or KOR separately; this project combines them and uses machine learning, representing a potentially more informative approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Yale University
New Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Morris, Evan D — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Morris, Evan 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.