Interdisciplinary Research Consortium on Stress, Self-Control, and Addiction

Yale University
Interdisciplinary Research Consortium on Stress, Self-Control, and Addiction

Principal Investigator: Dr. Rajita Sinha
Grant Number: 1-UL1-RR024925-01
Award Amount : $23.2 M

Abstract (provided by applicant): Tobacco smoking, alcohol absorption and overconsumption of rich and high fat 'comfort' foods are the top three causes of preventable death and disease in the US today. The persistent and compulsive engagement in th'ese addictions despite serious health, social and legal consequences is a common feature- Emerging data indicate that self control mechanisms ate critical in perpetuating this compulsive engagement in addictive behaviors Stress, which plays a key role in addiction, other psychiatric illnesses and in many chronic diseases, alsb facilitates lapses in self control. Although research oh the links between stress and addiction, stress and psychiatric disorders and stress and chronic diseases exists, systematic research o'ri the intetactidris between Stress, self control and addictibn have been rare. This three-way interplay between Stress;: selfcontrol and addiction is complex and requires an interdisciplinary (ID) conceptual framework with collaborative based approaches; study that include the multiple brain, body, behavioral and social systems therefore stress, self control and addiction that brings together bver 50 leading' scientists; who conduct research relevant to a number of NIH institutes. These experts represent disciplines that span 5 schools and three academic Institutions will collaborate as a team to: (A) identify Mechanisms iiftdunderlyingriyirici the development of stress-related effects on self-control in the addictive behaviors of smoking, dnnkihg and overeating; (B) evaluate self-control mechanisms in the pathophysiology of chronic stress and addiction and (0) develop social, behavioral and pharmacological strategies to increase self-control and behaviors, these goals will be accomplished by using animal models and human studies that include Children and adults. Achieving these goals will have a direct irtipact in reducing morbidity and mortality resulting from each of these disorders. Thei goals will be achieved by addressing the following specific aims: (1) to establish an interdisciplinary research consoritum by bringing together leading biological, behavioral and social scientists to examine the mechanisms underlying self-control and addictive behaviors; (2) To conduct programmatic, team-based collaborative research tbunderstarid the processes underlying stress and self control that promote and maihtaihcbrripulsive smoking, drinking and overeating; (3) To develop new social, behavioral and pharmacological preventive and treatment strategies to decrease stress, increase self-control and prevent and decrease addictive behaviors; (4) to foster career development and mentoring of interested students and scientists from varied disciplines in collabbrative, interdisciplinary research on stress, self control, addiction and related chronic diseases; and (5) To disseminate research findings to professional audiences arid the pubiic, including partnering with the Community to Collaboratively address emerging social (health policy and bioethical issues) raised by studies of stress, self-control and addictive behaviors.