Neural Mechanisms and Predictors of Treatment Response in Opioid Misuse

 

Project Description:

By utilizing a comprehensive neuroimaging battery to examine the structural and functional mechanisms of change associated with MORE treatment, this study will broaden understanding of the neurobiological markers that predict treatment success, help identify treatment non-responders early, and enable the researchers to refine treatment and create more effective, personalized interventions to target co-occurring chronic pain and opioid misuse.

 

Abstract:

There is a significant, immediate need to develop effective treatments to adequately treat chronic pain while reducing the risk of opioid misuse and addiction. A novel behavioral intervention, Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement (MORE), developed by researchers within the University of Utah, was specially designed to treat the co-occurring problem of opioid misuse and chronic pain. While multiple lines of evidence indicate MORE can significantly lower opioid craving, reduce chronic pain, and prevent opioid misuse, we do not yet understand the neurobiological mechanisms that support and predict treatment success. With this project, the investigators will bring together an interdisciplinary team of researchers to examine the neural predictors of MORE treatment response. By utilizing a comprehensive neuroimaging battery to examine the structural and functional mechanisms of change associated with MORE treatment, this study will broaden understanding of the neurobiological markers that predict treatment success, help identify treatment non-responders early, and enable the researchers to refine treatment and create more effective, personalized interventions to target co-occurring chronic pain and opioid misuse. This funded proposal enables the team to pursue a brand-new area of research.

 

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