Gut bacteria may influence alcohol cravings, new study suggests
NCT ID NCT03152760
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study explores the link between gut bacteria and alcohol use disorder (AUD). Researchers compared gut microbiota in three groups: current heavy drinkers with AUD, people with AUD who have been abstinent for at least 4 weeks, and healthy moderate drinkers. Participants provided stool samples, underwent physical exams, and took part in cue-reactivity sessions in a bar-like setting to measure cravings. The goal is to understand if gut bacteria differ between these groups and if they relate to alcohol cravings.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
What this could lead to
If successful, this study could reveal how gut bacteria influence alcohol cravings, pointing toward new ways to treat alcohol use disorder.
What could go wrong
This is a small pilot study with only 35 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. It is designed to gather information, not to test a treatment.
Disclaimer
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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.
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.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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National Institutes of Health Clinical Center
Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, United States