Why alcohol can make people feel less social: serotonin in a small brain region
Regulation of alcohol-induced social disturbances by lateral habenula serotonin receptors
This work looks at how binge drinking changes serotonin signaling in a tiny brain area, which may explain why people feel less social during and after alcohol use.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical University of South Carolina NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charleston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11173837 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From the patient's point of view, the team uses mouse models that mimic binge drinking to study changes in a small brain region called the lateral habenula. They measure social reward and recognition using well-established behavioral tests after alcohol exposure and during abstinence. The researchers manipulate serotonin receptors in that brain area to see whether altering serotonin signaling changes alcohol-driven social problems. Findings could point toward strategies to help people with alcohol use disorder improve social functioning and avoid relapse.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with a history of binge drinking or alcohol use disorder who struggle with reduced social enjoyment or social withdrawal would be most relevant to the goals of this work.
Not a fit: People without alcohol-related problems or those seeking immediate clinical care are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this preclinical research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new treatments that improve social motivation and reduce relapse risk for people with alcohol use disorder.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal studies have linked lateral habenula serotonin signaling to negative mood and alcohol withdrawal, but using this pathway to explain alcohol-related social deficits is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Charleston, United States
- Medical University of South Carolina — Charleston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Flanigan, Meghan Elizabeth — Medical University of South Carolina
- Study coordinator: Flanigan, Meghan Elizabeth
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.