Understanding why some people continue harmful drug habits despite negative consequences
Establishing a link between habits and punishment resistance
This study looks at why people with addiction sometimes keep seeking drugs even when they face negative consequences, using rats to understand how their brains work, and the goal is to find better ways to help treat addiction.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Texas A&m University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (College Station, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10542440 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the reasons behind why individuals with addiction often resist punishment when trying to change their drug-seeking behaviors. By using a rat model, the study examines how habitual behaviors are maintained even in the face of negative outcomes, such as receiving shocks when self-administering cocaine. The researchers aim to identify the neural mechanisms involved in this punishment resistance, focusing on the roles of different brain regions in controlling these behaviors. The findings could provide insights into how to better treat addiction by addressing the underlying causes of this resistance.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals struggling with addiction, particularly those who have difficulty stopping drug use despite experiencing negative consequences.
Not a fit: Patients who are not currently struggling with addiction or who do not exhibit resistance to changing their drug-seeking behaviors may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatment strategies for addiction by understanding and addressing the mechanisms of punishment resistance.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of linking habits to punishment resistance in addiction is novel, previous studies have shown success in understanding addiction through animal models.
Where this research is happening
College Station, United States
- Texas A&m University — College Station, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Smith, Rachel J — Texas A&m University
- Study coordinator: Smith, Rachel J
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.