Drug Lab

Multidisciplinary team focused on understanding substance use disorders

Research in the Drug Lab focuses on mechanism-based determinants and modification of addictive behaviors. Our lab uses rigorous human experimental approaches, medications and pharmacological probes, multi-modal magnetic resonance imaging, neuromodulation, and behavioral, subjective and physiological endpoints to investigate hypothesized relationships.

There are several ongoing projects in the lab. Students at various levels of training (e.g. postdoctoral, graduate, medical, undergraduate) are routinely involved in our research and obtain mentored scientific experiences. Beyond these studies, we are actively engaged in several other collaborative projects with other labs at Wayne State University and across the country.

 

Get Involved: Volunteer for our Studies

 
 

Dual Orexin Antagonism as a Mechanism for Improving Sleep and Drug Abstinence in Opioid Use Disorder

This study aims to look at the mechanisms in the brain that are associated with the effects of a medication (suvorexant) that is used to improve sleep. This study will investigate whether suvorexant improves outpatient opioid abstinence and sleep efficiency; and whether improving sleep further improves opioid abstinence outcome. The information gained in this study may help us develop treatments for people with opioid use disorder. 

We are looking for men and non-pregnant women aged 18-65 years with opioid use disorder. Participants must be willing to complete opioid detoxification (days 1-4 on the inpatient unit)

If you think you may be interested in participating in this study, please call our lab at: 313-993-3960

Learn more about this research study at ClinicalTrials.gov

 

Exploring the Feasibility and Efficacy of rTMS in a Healthy Population

This study aims to look at how a non-invasive form of neuromodulation--repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS)--may impact certain brain functions such as memory, mood, and pain sensitivity in people with no history of major physical or psychiatric illness. The information gained in this study may help us develop treatments for people with substance use disorders. If you complete all study procedures, you will be paid $180 for your participation.

We are looking for healthy men and non-pregnant women aged 21-60 years with no major physical or psychiatric illness and no history of seizures or high blood pressure.

If you are interested in participating in this study, please complete the confidential, online eligibility survey, HERE.
Learn more about this research study at ClinicalTrials.gov

 

Impact of rTMS of Limbic Circuitry in Stress Modulation in a Healthy Population

This study aims to look at how a non-invasive form of neuromodulation--repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS)--may impact certain brain functions such as memory, mood, and stress response in people with no history of major physical or psychiatric illness. The information gained in this study may help us develop treatments for people with substance use disorders. If you complete all study procedures, you will be paid $500 for your participation.

We are looking for healthy men and non-pregnant women aged 21-60 years with no major physical or psychiatric illness and no history of seizures or high blood pressure.

If you are interested in participating in this study, please complete the confidential, online eligibility survey, HERE.

Learn more about this research study at ClinicalTrials.gov

 

Effects of Pharmacological Stress and rTMS Interventions on Executive Function in Opioid Use Disorder 

This study aims to look at how a non-invasive form of neuromodulation--repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS)--may impact certain brain functions such as executive functions, substance use, and stress response in people with opioid use disorder who are not seeking treatment. The information gained in this study may help us develop treatments for people with opioid use disorder. If you complete all study procedures, you will be paid $540 for your participation.

We are looking for men and non-pregnant women aged 21-60 years who use opioids regularly (heroin or prescription medications not as prescribed), are not seeking treatment for their opioid use, and have no major physical or other current psychiatric illness and no history of seizures or high blood pressure.

If you are interested in participating in this study, please complete the confidential, online eligibility survey, HERE

Learn more about this research study at ClinicalTrials.gov

 

Human laboratory model to screen drugs with opioid analgesic-sparing effects: cannabidiol/morphine combinations

The purpose is to study the effectiveness of cannabidiol (CBD) along with lower-dose opioids to provide safe and effective pain relief and fewer side effects. Volunteers must be willing to participate in 3 experimental sessions that will each take approximately 8 hours to complete. Experimental sessions will involve both CBD and opioid drug administration. The information gained in this study will help us understand more about ways to treat pain. If you complete all study procedures, you will be paid up to $450 for your participation.

We are looking for men and non-pregnant women between 18 and 55 years old who are in good health and not experiencing chronic pain. Volunteers must not be regular users of cannabis or opioids but must have used both in the past.

If you think you may be interested in participating in this study, please call our lab at: 313-993-3960

Learn more about this research study at ClinicalTrials.gov

 

Opioid/benzodiazepine polydrug abuse: Integrating research on mechanisms, treatment and policies

This study includes one 4-6 hour visit where we ask questions about substance use, medical, and psychiatric history and ask participants to complete a series of computerized neurocognitive tests and surveys about their mood. There will also be a brief 3-month follow up interview that can be completed in person or online. The information gained in this study will help us understand more about people who use drugs regularly. If you complete all study procedures, you will be paid $125 for your participation.

We are looking for men and women aged 18-65 years who are early (less than 3 months) into any type of treatment for opioid use disorder or sedative use disorder. 

If you think you may be interested in participating in this study, please call our lab at: 313-993-3960

Learn more about this research study at ClinicalTrials.gov

 
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Patient Experiences Obtaining Naloxone From Outpatients Settings

This study is designed to understand people’s experiences obtaining naloxone. We are exploring people’s experiences attempting to obtain naloxone and instances of use. The survey is entirely online, completely confidential and will take approximately 10-15 minutes to complete.

We are looking for any adult (>18 years) based in the USA who has tried to obtain naloxone. There are no other requirements to take part in this survey.

CLICK HERE for more details and to take the survey.

 
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Self-Management by Opioid-Dependent Individuals

This study is designed to understand how people with opioid use disorder manage their condition and symptoms of withdrawal. The survey is entirely online, completely confidential and will take approximately 20-30 minutes to complete.  If you answer all survey questions, you will be entered into a raffle drawing for a gift card!

We are looking for any adult (>18 years) based in the USA who uses opioids regularly (either heroin or pain pills without a prescription). There are no other requirements to take part in this survey.
CLICK HERE for more details and to take the survey.