Suchismita Ray, associate professor in the Department of Health Informatics, has been awarded two National Institutes of Health (NIH) grants to fund research into treating the underlying neural mechanisms behind addiction.

She received a $3.18 million R61/R33 grant to investigate the efficacy of extended release Guanfacine pharmacotherapy and the MORE behavioral intervention in individuals receiving buprenorphine maintenance for opioid use disorder. The project targets the underlying neural mechanisms to improve stress and reduce opioid cravings to decrease relapse.

In addition, Dr. Ray received a $1.38 million R01 grant to study the efficacy of extended release Guanfacine pharmacotherapy in women with alcohol use disorder, with the potential to decrease drinking severity and drinking related consequences by targeting alcohol craving and impulse control.

Congratulations to Dr. Ray!