Addictions - Research

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The Division on Addiction encompasses multiple laboratories performing preclinical and clinical studies in the addictions. These studies span addictive disorders ranging from substances of abuse (including cocaine, amphetamine, opioids, and alcohol) to natural rewarding substances (including highly palatable foods and, more recently, UV light in tanners). By utilizing cross-translational approaches to inform our preclinical and clinical laboratories, our Division is able to capitalize on their mutual strengths and incorporate shared approaches from molecular to treatment outcome studies.

Basic science studies in our Division begin with the investigation of molecular and cellular adaptations that follow the chronic administration of substances (Dr. Chris Cowan and Dr. James Bibb) and, the alterations in adult neurogenesis (the development of new neurons in the adult brain) that occur in response to persistent drug exposure (Dr. Amelia Eisch). A novel animal model of reward, using the Drosophila melanogaster fly, has been developed by Dr. Adrian Rothenfluh to investigate the molecular underpinnings of reward. The role of appetitive peptides in obesity and the relationship between the mesolimbic reward system, stress, and the reinforcing effects of food are being studied by Dr. Jeffrey Zigman and Dr. Michael Lutter, respectively. Dr. Self uses a combination of neurobiological and behavioral measures to understand the underlying neuroreceptor processes involved in escalating drug consumption.

Clinical laboratory studies bridge from clinical laboratory studies to large scale epidemiological and multi-site clinical studies. Neuroimaging and neuroendocrine probes, are used by Bryon Adinoff, M.D., to explore the neurobiologic changes that may predict future relapse in addicted patients. Additional techniques incorporate various aspects of behavioral, personality, and cognitive measures to assess the risk factors for those at high risk of developing addictions. The Texas Node of the Clinical Trials Network, lead by Madhukar Trivedi, M.D., is part of a nationwide effort to develop and implement multi-site pharmacologic and behavioral studies for the treatment of addictive disorders. As part of this effort, Madhukar Trivedi is leading a large, multi-center treatment study evaluating the role of aerobic exercise as an augmentation for standard treatment in stimulant-dependent patients. Additional studies in pharmacological approaches for substance abuse disorders are being conducted by Sherwood Brown, M.D., Ph.D., who utilizes novel medications to treat patients with both bipolar disease and cocaine or alcohol dependence. Arthur Westover, M.D. is assessing the pathological impact, particularly cardiovascular sequelae, of methamphetamine and amphetamine use, abuse, and dependence through innovative epidemiological methodologies.