ALCOHOL USE DISORDER

This study tested whether brief or in-depth counseling could help people living with HIV in Zambia reduce unhealthy alcohol use and improve HIV treatment. 680 adults who were on HIV medication and had hazardous drinking plus mental health or substance use issues took part. Partic…

This study tests whether virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET) can help men with alcohol use disorder reduce their psychological dependence on alcohol and prevent relapse. Eighty men who have completed detox will be randomly assigned to either VRET or standard treatment. VRET u…

This small pilot study tested whether giving spironolactone, a drug normally used for heart conditions, could help people with HIV reduce their alcohol use. Twenty-one participants received the drug along with support from a pharmacist and psychiatrist. The study focused on wheth…

This study tested a program that combines personalized feedback with text messages to help young adults (ages 18-25) who drink to cope with anxiety or depression. Participants were in a psychiatric partial hospitalization program and drank heavily. The program aimed to reduce dri…

This phase 2 trial tested whether the drug sunobinop (V117957) can reduce heavy drinking in adults with moderate to severe alcohol use disorder who want treatment. 209 participants took either sunobinop or a placebo daily for several weeks. The study measured changes in heavy dri…

This study tested a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called TMS to see if it could help people with alcohol use disorder drink less. 147 adults who wanted to cut back on drinking received TMS and were tracked for 4 months. The goal was to measure changes in drinking days,…

This early-phase pilot study tested whether combining topiramate (a seizure medication) with N-acetyl cysteine (a supplement) is safe and tolerable for people with alcohol use disorder. Seventeen adults who were heavy drinkers and seeking treatment took either the combination or …

This early-phase study tested a single nasal spray dose of BPL-003, a psychedelic drug, combined with psychological support in 13 adults with moderate to severe alcohol use disorder. The main goals were to check safety and tolerability, and to explore effects on drinking behavior…

This early study tested a smartphone app that rewards people for staying sober. Participants submitted breath samples three times a day to prove they hadn't been drinking. The goal was to see if this approach is practical and helps people with alcohol use disorder. Only 12 people…

This study tested whether tolcapone, a drug used for Parkinson's disease, could change how people with both alcohol use disorder and ADHD respond to alcohol and make decisions. 23 adults completed the trial, which involved taking tolcapone or a placebo and then undergoing alcohol…

This study tested whether kudzu, an herbal supplement, can help people who binge drink reduce their alcohol use and related risky sexual behaviors. Researchers enrolled 120 sexually active adults who binge drink and are at high risk for HIV. Participants received either kudzu or …

This study tested whether a broccoli sprout extract supplement could improve gut health in older adults (50+) who drink at least 8 alcoholic drinks per week and have a low-quality diet. Over 28 days, 40 participants took either the supplement or a placebo. The goal was to see if …

This study tested a short, motivational counseling session for injured patients who drink alcohol, delivered in the emergency department in Tanzania. Over 600 adults took part, and the goal was to see if the intervention could reduce binge drinking and related harms. The approach…

This study tested a program for 160 HIV-positive fisherfolk in Uganda who were heavy drinkers and struggling to stick with their HIV medication. The program combined individual and group counseling with help opening savings accounts and building social support. The goal was to re…

This study tested whether a single high dose of psilocybin (the active ingredient in magic mushrooms) combined with psychological support could help people with alcohol use disorder drink less. 60 adults in Denmark who were heavy drinkers took part. The main goal was to see if th…

This study tested whether adding the sleep medication lemborexant (Dayvigo) to the standard alcohol craving drug naltrexone helps people with alcohol use disorder and insomnia. Eight adults took either the combination or naltrexone plus a placebo. Researchers measured alcohol cra…

This pilot study tested a 4-week virtual intensive outpatient program for 63 people with moderate to severe alcohol use disorder. The program included group therapy, individual therapy, medication management, and multiple daily breathalyzer checks using facial recognition. The go…

This study tested whether a gentle brain stimulation technique called tDCS, combined with cognitive training, could improve thinking skills and reduce relapse in veterans with alcohol use disorder. 45 veterans received either real or sham tDCS during cognitive exercises. The goal…

This study tested two smartphone apps designed to reduce risky drinking and its effects during the COVID-19 pandemic. One app focused on the drinker, the other on their family partner. About 400 pairs (a drinker and a family member) joined the 12-month study. The goal was to see …

This study tested whether giving small rewards for attending treatment and providing negative alcohol tests helps people with alcohol use disorder stay sober. 74 adults in outpatient treatment were randomly assigned to standard care or standard care plus rewards. The goal was to …

This study tested a drug called GET73 in 79 people with moderate-to-severe alcohol use disorder who were not seeking treatment. Participants took GET73 or a placebo for 8 days and had MRI scans to see how their brains reacted to alcohol cues. The goal was to see if GET73 could re…

This study tested whether a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) could help veterans with alcohol use disorder stay sober for six months. Forty-nine veterans who were already in treatment received either real or sham …

This study tested whether a technique called Episodic Future Thinking (EFT) — where people vividly imagine positive events in their future — could help reduce drinking in 154 adults with alcohol use disorder. Participants either practiced EFT or recalled past events (control), th…

This early-stage trial tested a new drug called DCR-AUD in 16 healthy adults who are social drinkers. The drug is designed to reduce the effects of alcohol by targeting the liver. The main goal was to check safety and how the body processes the drug, not to treat alcohol use diso…

This study tested a structured emotional regulation program for adults in residential rehab for substance use. The program combined techniques from behavior therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy over 11 weekly sessions. Researchers compared …

This study tested whether combining virtual reality mindfulness sessions with cognitive bike exercises could reduce the risk of relapse in people hospitalized for alcohol addiction. 135 patients were split into two groups: one received standard care, the other added six VR mindfu…

This early-stage trial tested whether a one-time infusion of donor stem cells is safe for people with both alcohol use disorder and major depression. Thirty-one participants received either the stem cells or a placebo. The main goal was to check for serious side effects, like sui…

This study tested whether semaglutide (Rybelsus), a drug used for diabetes, can help people with alcohol use disorder drink less. Fifty adults who wanted to cut down took either the drug or a placebo for 8 weeks. Researchers measured changes in alcohol cravings and daily drinking…

This study tested whether trained community health workers visiting pregnant women at home could improve health for both mothers and children in a rural area of South Africa. The program focused on supporting women with HIV, depression, or alcohol use, and on improving child grow…

This study tested whether semaglutide, a drug used for diabetes and weight loss, can safely reduce alcohol drinking in people with alcohol use disorder. 80 adults took either semaglutide or a placebo, and researchers tracked how much they drank over several weeks. The goal was to…

This completed trial tested a digital health app (QG-A) that combines cognitive-behavioral therapy with the medication naltrexone to help adults with moderate to severe alcohol use disorder reduce their drinking. 242 participants were randomly assigned to either the app-based pro…

This early-phase study tested whether suvorexant (Belsomra), a sleep medication, can reduce stress sensitivity and heavy drinking in 81 adults with moderate to severe alcohol use disorder. Participants took either suvorexant or a placebo for 4 weeks, and researchers measured thei…

This study tested a smartphone-based program that uses rewards, coaching, and breathalyzer tests to help 236 adults with alcohol use disorder reduce drinking. Participants earned money for staying sober, tracked via breath tests and self-reports. The goal was to see if this digit…

This study tested a smartphone app designed to help people recovering from alcohol dependence avoid relapse. The app uses a training game to change unconscious habits that make people reach for alcohol. 600 participants used either the active training or a placebo version. The go…

This study tests whether adding the blood pressure medication propranolol to cognitive processing therapy (a type of talk therapy) helps people with both post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol use disorder. About 48 adults aged 18 to 70 with both conditions will receiv…

This study tested a type of talk therapy called Behavioral Activation (BA) in 10 U.S. veterans who have both alcohol use disorder and PTSD. BA helps people change their daily activities and thinking to reduce drinking and PTSD symptoms. The study compared BA to another therapy ca…

This completed Phase 2 trial tested whether a drug called sunobinop can reduce alcohol cravings in people with moderate to severe alcohol use disorder who want treatment. Forty participants took either sunobinop or a placebo pill daily. Researchers measured cravings using questio…

This study tested two types of therapy for insomnia in 134 people also being treated for alcohol use disorder. The goal was to see if improving sleep could help them stay sober and feel better during the day. Participants received either a standard insomnia treatment or a tailore…

This study tested whether a type of brainwave training called neurofeedback could help people with alcohol use disorder feel more confident about staying sober and improve mindfulness. Seventeen adults took part: some received 24 sessions of neurofeedback over 8 weeks, while othe…

This study tested a 5-week behavioral therapy for women who experienced sexual assault and use alcohol. The therapy combines writing about the trauma with skills to manage alcohol cravings. Researchers measured changes in drinking habits and PTSD symptoms. The goal is to see if e…

This study tested whether cytisine, a plant-based medication, is safe and helpful for quitting smoking in people who also have alcohol use disorder. Twenty adults who smoked daily and wanted to quit took part. The main goal was to see if the drug was well-tolerated and if partici…

This study tested whether an online program for insomnia (called SHUTi) could help heavy drinkers reduce their alcohol use. 113 adults who drank heavily and had trouble sleeping took part. The goal was to see if improving sleep would also lead to less drinking and fewer binge epi…

This study tested a mindfulness-based treatment (MBRP) combined with cognitive behavioral therapy to help people reduce alcohol use and quit smoking. 67 adults who smoked and drank heavily participated. The goal was to see if the program was practical and satisfying for patients,…

This study tested an 8-week cognitive training program delivered via telehealth for veterans recovering from alcohol use disorder. The goal was to see if the program was feasible and acceptable to participants. Nineteen veterans took part, and the study focused on recruitment, re…

This study tested a program called "Choizitaconso" that teaches people with alcohol use disorder how to control their drinking and reduce harm. About 110 adults took part, learning skills to manage their alcohol use and avoid negative consequences. The goal was to see if the prog…

This study looked at whether combining two existing drugs—duloxetine (an antidepressant) and methylphenidate (an ADHD medication)—could reduce the desire to drink alcohol in people with alcohol use disorder. Nineteen adults who were not seeking treatment participated in a lab set…

This study tested a smartphone app called CampusGANDR that uses a game about college life to give students personalized feedback on their drinking habits. Over 1,100 first-year college students in California and Texas played the game for 12 weeks. Researchers measured changes in …

This study looks at how alcohol use disorder (AUD) might reorganize the way the brain links words and ideas. Researchers will compare 30 AUD patients and 30 healthy controls using word-association tasks and brain tests. The goal is to see if these mental patterns can help predict…

This study looked at how the brains of people with alcohol use disorder respond to pictures of social situations and alcohol. Researchers used MRI scans to measure brain activity and tested whether a technique called neurofeedback could help people control their cravings. The stu…

This study tested whether a coaching program for primary care doctors at one VA clinic could improve care for veterans with unhealthy alcohol use. The program aimed to help doctors offer more counseling, medications, and referrals to specialty treatment. Researchers tracked chang…

This study tested a mobile app called WisePath designed to help adults who are thinking about suicide and may also misuse alcohol. Over 12 weeks, 127 participants either used the WisePath app or received standard self-help resources. Researchers measured changes in suicidal thoug…

This study looked at the best ways to bring FDA-approved digital treatments (reSET and reSET-O) for opioid and other substance use disorders into primary care clinics. Over 18,000 adults who screened positive for substance use took part. Researchers tested whether health coaching…

This study looked at how negative emotions and stress influence alcohol use in 81 women veterans, including those with PTSD. Researchers measured cravings, heart rate, and drinking patterns, and also examined how these effects change across the menstrual cycle. The goal was to be…

This study looked at whether a single dose of methylphenidate (Ritalin) changes how people with both ADHD and alcohol use disorder respond to alcohol-related cues. Thirty-one adults aged 18-25 completed brain scans, EEG, and behavioral tests after taking either the drug or a plac…

This completed study looked at how thinking skills (like flexibility and self-control) and social understanding (like reading emotions) are connected to alcohol use disorder. Researchers tested 216 people using puzzles, eye-tracking, and brain scans. The goal was to find early wa…

This study looked at whether thinking about financial scarcity changes how people with alcohol use disorder value alcohol and make decisions. 124 adults who wanted to cut down on drinking listened to either a story about scarcity or a neutral story. Researchers then measured thei…

This study looked at how young adults with bipolar disorder respond to alcohol compared to healthy people. Sixty participants aged 21-26 completed brain scans and surveys after drinking alcohol or a placebo. The goal was to understand differences in brain activity and feelings of…

This study compared two simple questionnaires—the MoCA and the BEARNI—to see which one better detects cognitive problems in people with alcohol use disorder. Researchers tested 90 patients and compared the results against a full set of standard neuropsychological tests. The goal …

This study tested whether showing people in early recovery from alcohol use disorder personalized, high-intensity images of future events could help them think more about long-term rewards and increase their interest in treatment. Fifty-eight participants were split into two grou…

This study looked at how two brain networks—one that controls impulses and one that reacts to alcohol cues—interact in people with alcohol use disorder. Using a powerful 7 Tesla MRI scanner, researchers compared 59 participants (patients and healthy controls) to see if a stronger…

This study looked at how drinking alcohol and using high-THC cannabis concentrates together affects people. 146 heavy drinkers who also use cannabis regularly took part. Researchers measured things like blood alcohol level, heart rate, and how impaired they felt, depending on whe…

This study looked at how accurately patients with alcohol intoxication in the emergency department estimate their own blood alcohol concentration (BAC) compared to a real blood test. Researchers enrolled 34 adults aged 15-64 with a BAC of 60 mg/dL or higher. The goal was to see i…

This study looked at 488 adults with alcohol use disorder who had suicidal thoughts or attempts. Researchers wanted to understand why some people call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline during a crisis and others don't. They also tested if a therapy session about the hotlin…

This study tested whether a bacterial toxin called endotoxin can increase alcohol consumption in people with alcohol use disorder. 27 participants received either endotoxin or a placebo, and their alcohol intake was measured during a 2-hour session. The goal was to gather early d…

This study tested whether combining a policy change with professional training can reduce stigma toward substance use in mental health clinics. Twelve providers from two sites participated. The goal was to see if the combined approach improves how often substance use is addressed…

This study used brain imaging (fMRI) to see how heavy drinkers' brains respond to pictures of alcohol versus non-alcoholic drinks. 72 non-treatment-seeking heavy drinkers made hypothetical decisions about buying alcohol at different prices while in the scanner. The goal was to un…