Alcohol's effect on brain during HIV risk decisions revealed

NCT ID NCT04360018

Completed Knowledge-focused Sponsor: National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Aug 07, 2026 · Updated 5 times

Summary

This study looks at how drinking alcohol changes the way people make decisions about risky sexual behavior, which could lead to HIV. Twenty healthy adults aged 21-65 will have two visits: one where they drink alcohol and one where they drink a placebo. During brain scans, they will view pictures and make choices about sex and condom use. The goal is to understand the brain processes behind risky decisions when under the influence.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: alcohol beverage
What this could lead to: If successful, this study could help explain why people make riskier sexual choices after drinking, potentially guiding future prevention efforts.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-phase study with only 20 participants, so results may not apply broadly. It measures brain activity in a lab setting, which may not reflect real-world behavior.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Alcohol Drinking Alcoholic Intoxication Binge-Eating Disorder Risk-Taking

As listed by the trial registrant

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

ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION

Contacts and locations

Locations

National Institutes of Health Clinical Center

Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, United States

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.