Erin Calipari receives $2M to study how alcohol use disorder develops in the brain

Vanderbilt Postdoctoral Fellow Receives Grant to Study Alcohol Use Disorder

Erin Calipari (Vanderbilt University)

Introduction

Erin Calipari, associate professor of pharmacology and associate director of the Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, has been awarded a grant of nearly $2 million from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. The grant aims to support research on understanding why individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD) return to drinking after periods of abstinence.

The Issue of Alcohol Use Disorder

Alcohol use disorder is a condition that negatively impacts various aspects of a person’s life due to the effects of alcohol on the brain. Despite its widespread occurrence and the estimated $249 billion cost to the U.S. economy, current treatments for AUD are not highly effective, particularly in preventing relapse.

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

Research Objectives

The primary goal of the research is to understand the motivations behind drinking in individuals with AUD and how it differs from healthy individuals. While healthy individuals may drink for the enjoyment of being intoxicated, those with AUD often drink to avoid withdrawal symptoms or negative emotions such as stress. This grant focuses on investigating the switch that occurs in the brain when someone decides to drink under these conditions. The findings will contribute to the development of new pharmacotherapies targeting AUD.

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

The Role of Negative Reinforcement

A significant characteristic of AUD is that some individuals experience negative emotions when they stop drinking alcohol. This negative reinforcement drives the desire to drink more or return to drinking. Previous research has primarily focused on understanding why quitting alcohol leads to negative feelings, but there is still a need to comprehend how this negative reinforcement contributes to continued drinking.

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

The Nucleus Accumbens (NAc) Core

The nucleus accumbens (NAc) core, a key area in the brain related to motivation and goal-directed actions, contains two types of neurons: D1 and D2. These neurons play different roles in controlling behavior. D1 neurons are associated with positive reinforcement, while D2 neurons respond to cues associated with negative reinforcement. The research aims to confirm if D2 neurons are activated by cues linked to alcohol after a period of abstinence (withdrawal), and if this activation drives the desire to seek and consume alcohol again.

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
• SDG 4: Quality Education

Advanced Techniques and Future Implications

Erin Calipari, also a faculty affiliate of the Vanderbilt Brain Institute, will utilize advanced techniques to monitor and manipulate D1 and D2 neurons during behaviors related to alcohol drinking and seeking. The findings from this research will contribute to a better understanding of AUD and why individuals may continue to drink even after attempting to quit.

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
• SDG 4: Quality Education

Conclusion

Alcohol use disorder poses a significant economic and social burden, and effective treatments for this disease are limited. The grant awarded to Erin Calipari will provide valuable insights into the brain mechanisms that drive individuals to return to drinking after periods of abstinence. This knowledge will contribute to the development of improved interventions and pharmacotherapies for AUD.

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

   • Target 3.5: Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol
   • Indicator 3.5.1: Coverage of treatment interventions (pharmacological, psychosocial, and rehabilitation and aftercare services) for substance use disorders

2. SDG 4: Quality Education

   • Target 4.7: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including, among others, through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship and appreciation of cultural diversity and of culture’s contribution to sustainable development
   • Indicator 4.7.1: Extent to which (i) global citizenship education and (ii) education for sustainable development (including climate change education) are mainstreamed in (a) national education policies; (b) curricula; (c) teacher education; and (d) student assessment

3. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

   • Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere
   • Indicator 16.1.2: Conflict-related deaths per 100,000 population, by sex, age group, and cause

Analysis

The article addresses the issue of alcohol use disorder (AUD) and the challenges in preventing individuals from returning to drinking after periods of abstinence. Based on the content of the article, the following SDGs, targets, and indicators can be identified:

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

The issue of AUD and the need for effective treatments are connected to SDG 3, which focuses on promoting good health and well-being. Target 3.5 specifically aims to strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including harmful use of alcohol. The article highlights the limited effectiveness of current treatments for AUD, emphasizing the need for better understanding of why individuals return to drinking. This aligns with the target of improving treatment interventions for substance use disorders.

The indicator 3.5.1, which measures the coverage of treatment interventions for substance use disorders, can be used to measure progress towards this target. The article mentions the grant received by Erin Calipari to understand what happens in the brain that makes individuals return to drinking after periods of abstinence. This research contributes to improving the understanding of AUD and may lead to the development of pharmacotherapies that target this disorder.

2. SDG 4: Quality Education

The issue of AUD and its impact on individuals’ lives can also be connected to SDG 4, which focuses on quality education. Target 4.7 aims to ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles. The article mentions the need to understand why individuals suffering from AUD drink and how it differs from healthy individuals. This understanding is crucial for addressing AUD and developing effective treatments.

The indicator 4.7.1, which measures the extent to which education for sustainable development is mainstreamed in national education policies, curricula, teacher education, and student assessment, can be relevant in this context. By promoting education and awareness about AUD, its causes, and its impact, progress can be made towards addressing this issue effectively.

3. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

The issue of AUD and its impact on individuals’ behaviors and well-being can also be connected to SDG 16, which focuses on peace, justice, and strong institutions. Target 16.1 aims to significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere. While the article does not directly mention violence related to AUD, it highlights the negative behaviors and harmful effects of excessive drinking on individuals’ lives.

The indicator 16.1.2, which measures conflict-related deaths per 100,000 population, can be used to measure progress towards this target. Although not explicitly mentioned in the article, addressing AUD and reducing harmful behaviors associated with excessive drinking can contribute to creating a more peaceful and safe society.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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Source: news.vanderbilt.edu

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