Examining brain function and memory in relation to opioid use and childhood experiences

A Mechanistic Investigation of Risk Factors for Opioid Use Disorder: Examining Hippocampal-based Context-dependent Learning and Memory Associated With Adverse Childhood Experiences

NA · University of Michigan · NCT06355778

This study is trying to see how tough childhood experiences affect brain function and memory in adults with opioid use disorder compared to healthy adults.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment185 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 55 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Michigan (other)
Locations1 site (Ann Arbor, Michigan)
Trial IDNCT06355778 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates how adverse childhood experiences affect brain function and memory in adults with Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) compared to healthy individuals. Participants will undergo Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and perform computer tasks to assess their learning and memory capabilities. The study includes three groups: those with OUD on buprenorphine, those without OUD also on buprenorphine, and healthy adults not on buprenorphine. The goal is to understand the relationship between childhood adversity and opioid use through brain performance metrics.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults diagnosed with Opioid Use Disorder who are currently receiving buprenorphine treatment, as well as healthy adults without any substance use disorders.

Not a fit: Patients with significant medical or neurological conditions, or those actively suicidal, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved understanding and treatment strategies for individuals with Opioid Use Disorder.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have explored the relationship between childhood adversity and substance use, but this specific approach using MRI and memory tasks is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria for all groups:

* Right handed
* Able to give informed consent
* Normal/corrected-to-normal vision and hearing

Inclusion Criteria for Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) group:

* Diagnosis of OUD
* Be actively receiving buprenorphine (BUP) for opioid agonist therapy
* Be free from illicit substance use for at least 2 weeks
* The study will allow stable dose (\> 3 months) of commonly prescribed psychiatric medications and some sleep aids (per protocol)

Inclusion Criteria for the BUP control group:

* Taking BUP for chronic pain
* No Substance Use Disorder (including OUD)
* The study will allow stable dose (\> 3 months) of commonly prescribed psychiatric medications and some sleep aids (per protocol)

Inclusion Criteria for Healthy participant group:

* Not taking BUP
* Free of any psychiatric or major medical conditions

Exclusion Criteria for all groups:

* Significant medical or neurologic conditions (e.g., stroke, seizures, multiple sclerosis)
* Actively suicidal
* Contraindication for MRI
* Inability to tolerate small, enclosed spaces without anxiety
* Life history of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, learning disability, attention deficit disorder, or pervasive developmental disorder
* Use of substances or prescription medications that could interfere with measures of interest (per protocol)
* Unable to provide informed consent
* Participants who have completed other studies in our lab involving learning and memory assessments with the same/similar tasks used here (HUM00230585, HUM00121812) will not be eligible to complete the current study, due to possible learning/practice effects
* Unable to fit comfortably in the MRI scanner due to body size (typically men over 6 feet tall that weigh more than 250 lbs, men under 6 feet tall that weigh over 220 lbs, women over 5'11" tall that weigh more than 220 lbs, or women under 5'10" tall that weigh more than 200 lbs).

Where this trial is running

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Opioid Use Disorder, Healthy, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Adverse Childhood Experiences, Fear Learning, Memory, Hippocampal function

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.