Role of Pavlovian Mechanisms for Control Over Substance Use
This study aims to understand how our brains learn habits, especially those related to using substances like alcohol, cannabis, and other drugs. Researchers are interested in how automatic reactions and learned associations might make it harder for people to control their substance use. They are particularly looking at something called 'Pavlovian-to-instrumental transfer' (PIT), which is about how cues in our environment (like seeing an advert for alcohol) can trigger a desire to use a substance (like wanting a drink). Using special brain scans (fMRI) and computer tasks, they will compare people with substance use disorders to healthy volunteers to see if there are differences in their brain activity and behaviour. This research could help develop better ways to help people recover from substance use disorders.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study is trying to understand the link between how our brains learn habits and why some people struggle to control their use of alcohol or other substances. Imagine you always have a coffee with a certain biscuit. Over time, just seeing that biscuit might make you crave coffee, even if you weren't thinking about it before. This is a bit like what researchers call 'Pavlovian-to-instrumental transfer' (don't worry about the complex name!). It's about how certain sights, sounds, or situations (like seeing a pub or feeling stressed) can become strongly linked in your mind to using a substance, making it harder to resist.
The researchers want to see if people with substance use disorders (including alcohol, cannabis, methamphetamine, amphetamine, and cocaine) show stronger reactions to these cues compared to people who don't have these disorders. They use special computer tasks and brain scans (called fMRI) to observe what's happening in the brain when someone is faced with these cues. They are looking for differences in brain activity and behaviour that might explain why some people find it harder to control their substance use.
Ultimately, by understanding these brain processes better, the study hopes to pave the way for new and more effective treatments. If we know more about how these habits form and how the brain responds, we might find better ways to help people change these patterns and support them in their recovery journey.
Key takeaways
- Researches how brain habits affect substance use.
- Uses brain scans (fMRI) and computer tasks.
- Compares people with substance use disorders to healthy volunteers.
- No medication, focuses on understanding brain processes.
- Aims to improve future treatments for addiction.
- Participation involves questionnaires and brain scans.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for both men and women between the ages of 18 and 65. They are interested in people who have specific substance use disorders, meaning they meet at least four criteria for conditions like alcohol, cannabis, amphetamine, methamphetamine, or cocaine use disorder. You would also need to be currently using alcohol but not actively seeking to stop right now. All participants must be able to understand the study and complete questionnaires, and have good German language skills and basic computer abilities. You'll also need existing health insurance.
There are certain reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you have a history of serious mental health conditions like bipolar disorder or schizophrenia, or if you're currently experiencing severe depression or suicidal thoughts. Other reasons include a history of serious head injury or neurological diseases like Parkinson's, epilepsy, or dementia. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you take certain medications that affect a brain chemical called dopamine, you won't be able to participate. You also can't have metallic implants that would be unsafe for MRI scans, or significant vision or hearing problems. Finally, you shouldn't be under the influence of alcohol or other substances on the day of your assessment.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you between 18 and 65 years old?
- Do you have a diagnosis of alcohol, cannabis, methamphetamine, amphetamine or cocaine use disorder?
- Are you able to speak and understand German well?
- Do you have health insurance?
- Do you have any metal in your body that would prevent an MRI scan?
- Are you pregnant or breastfeeding?
What does participation involve?
Taking part in this study would involve a few different assessments. You would complete various questionnaires that ask about your thoughts and feelings. You would also undergo special computer tasks designed to look at your learning and reactions. A key part of the study involves brain scans, specifically fMRI and sMRI. The fMRI scan measures brain activity, and the sMRI scan looks at the structure of your brain. There are no medications involved in this study. The researchers will also check your understanding and explicit knowledge through query trials. The total duration of your participation would involve these assessments, and some participants might have a follow-up assessment three months later to see how their substance use has changed. You'll be tested for alcohol and drug intoxication on the day of your assessment to make sure you're not under the influence.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Technische Universität DresdenVerified postcodeDresden, Germany· Recruiting
Common questions
What does 'Pavlovian-to-instrumental transfer' mean?
It's a way of describing how things we see or hear (like an advert for a drink) can strongly trigger an urge to do something (like have a drink), even if we weren't planning to.
What is an fMRI scan?
An fMRI scan is a special type of brain scan that measures brain activity by detecting changes in blood flow. It's safe and doesn't use radiation.
Will I receive any treatment for my substance use during the study?
No, this study is for research and observation only. It does not provide treatment, but it aims to help develop better treatments for the future.
What if I change my mind after joining the study?
You are free to leave the study at any time, for any reason, without needing to explain why, and it will not affect your medical care.
Will my information be kept private?
Yes, all your personal information will be kept strictly confidential and your privacy will be protected.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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