About the Fox Lab
Helen Fox, PhD, director of the Fox Lab, has a long history of research interests related to stress and immune system changes in individuals using alcohol, cocaine, opioids and club drugs. These include establishing the long-term effects of club drugs, gender and addiction, and the development of medications for addiction.
Study Purpose:
The purpose of the study is to determine whether a medication called guanfacine can reduce cravings and relapse in women who want to reduce their use of substances such as cocaine, alcohol, opioids, marijuana and others. In addition, if you are receiving buprenorphine treatment, you may also be eligible for this study.
“Substance use disorders have devastating medical and social consequences, and there are currently no Food and Drug Administration-approved medications that address co-occurring substance use disorders in women,” said Dr. Fox, who is also Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University.
How long is the study?
The study is for 12 weeks.
What is involved in the study?
Coronavirus Update: Participants can now fully participate in the study remotely through Zoom. All study materials needed and study medication will be shipped to the participant’s location.
This study is 12 weeks long. There are two (2) to three (3) initial intake visits that are approximately two (2) to three (3) hours long. We will then meet with you two (2) times a week for approximately one (1) hour for the next 10 weeks. These visits will include medication management, counseling, and overall monitoring and assessments. You will be randomized to be put on either guanfacine or placebo.
Where is the study location?
The study is being conducted both at Stony Brook University and at Yale University. You would be coming to the Stony Brook site; however a majority of visits can now be done through Zoom.
Will there be compensation?
Yes. We are offering monetary compensation, approximating $1,000.
What is the funding source for this study?
Dr. Fox received a $2.4 million federal grant for this study from the National Institutes of Health (NIH)/National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA) as a collaborative grant with Yale Stress Center at Yale University School of Medicine.
