RG Neuroenhancement

The aim of the Research Group Neuroenhancement is to identify neuronal processes and structures that increase resilience in addicted patients and to develop new behavioral and pharmacological therapeutic approaches that shorten the time to remission in addictive disorders and improve the stability of treatment outcomes.

For example, current projects within the Collaborative Research Center TRR 265: "Loosing and Regaining Control over Drug Intake" aim to identify "tipping points" for regaining and losing control in substance use disorders and new therapeutic targets, as well as to investigate the influence of stress alcohol craving and consumption behavior.

As part of our ongoing efforts to develop innovative new treatments for addiction, the Research Group is conducting the first Phase II randomized controlled trial ("ON-ICE Trial"-BMBF-01KG2025) evaluating the potential of oxytocin in combination with naltrexone to reduce alcohol craving and promote abstinence.. With a strong translational focus, the Research Group conducts a randomized controlled trial in individuals with alcohol use disorder in which we explore the potential of cannabidiol (CBD) to reduce alcohol craving and alcohol-induced sensitization in the brain, which will form the basis for subsequent clinical trials. Following a major goal of the Research Group, we will use innovative longitudinal multimodal deep phenotyping approaches in projects embedded in the Collaborative Research Center TRR265 to investigate the neurobiological underpinnings underlying adaptive versus non-adaptive stress responses and resilience in addiction disorders. In addition, we will use the unique platform of hybrid fMRI and positron emission tomography (PET) in the ZIPP (to elucidate the functional and molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of stress and resilience in addictive disorders. The Research Group takes a strong transdiagnostic approach and will conduct multiple projects to identify common and distinct neurobiological mechanisms in addictive disorders, behavioral addictions, and addiction-like phenotypes in obesity to advance understanding of the neurobehavioral underpinnings of these diseases.

A long-term goal of the Research Group Neuroenhancement is to work with our collaborative partners inside and outside the ZI to identify neural processes and structures that enhance resilience in addicted patients and to develop novel behavioral and pharmacological treatment approaches that promote remission and improve quality of life for those affected.