Brain chemistry clue may explain why heavy drinkers feel stressed

NCT ID NCT06584448

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study investigates how acetate, a substance produced when the body breaks down alcohol, is used by the brain in heavy drinkers. Researchers will use a special imaging technique to track acetate metabolism and measure stress hormone levels. The goal is to understand the link between drinking, brain chemistry, and stress, which could lead to better ways to help people reduce harmful drinking.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

deuterated acetate tracer

What this could lead to

If successful, this could reveal a new biological target for treating alcohol use disorder, potentially leading to more effective therapies.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-stage observational study (50 participants) focused on measuring brain metabolism, not testing a treatment. Results may not translate into a direct therapy.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

alcohol abuse Alcohol Drinking Alcoholic Intoxication follicular lymphoma

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • The Anlyan Center, 300 Cedar St.

    RECRUITING

    New Haven, Connecticut, 06519, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact

  • Yale University

    NOT_YET_RECRUITING

    New Haven, Connecticut, 06520, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••