Can a stress hormone explain alcohol relapse?
NCT ID NCT07612631
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study uses brain scans to see how stress-related proteins change in heavy drinkers compared to healthy people. Researchers give a stress hormone (hydrocortisone) and then scan the brain to measure these proteins. The goal is to understand if these proteins play a role in relapse. About 90 people will take part.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- hydrocortisone
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could help explain why some heavy drinkers relapse, pointing toward future stress-focused treatments.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very early, small imaging study, not a treatment trial. It may not lead to any direct benefit for participants.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
University of Pittsburgh
RECRUITINGPittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15213, United States
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