Understanding the connection between pain, opioid use, and cognitive function
Behavioral Core
This study is looking at how past physical and emotional trauma can affect pain and addiction to opioids, using specially modified animals to understand the brain's chemistry, with the goal of finding better treatments for people dealing with addiction and chronic pain.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P30 center grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Arizona NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tucson, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11111378 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how physical and emotional trauma contribute to the ongoing pain and opioid crises, focusing on the cognitive impairments associated with opioid use disorder (OUD). By utilizing genetically-edited animal models, the study aims to explore the neurochemical mechanisms behind opioid addiction and reward. The Behavioral Core will assess behaviors related to OUD using a standardized scoring system, which will help translate findings from animal studies to clinical applications. This approach seeks to identify new molecular targets and neural pathways that could lead to better treatments for those suffering from addiction and chronic pain.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals experiencing chronic pain and those with a history of opioid use disorder.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have issues related to chronic pain or opioid use disorder may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for patients struggling with opioid addiction and chronic pain.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in understanding the neurochemical basis of addiction, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
Tucson, United States
- University of Arizona — Tucson, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Milnes, Tally Marie — University of Arizona
- Study coordinator: Milnes, Tally Marie
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 below.