Gene linked to nicotine may explain why some people crave alcohol more

NCT ID NCT03294460

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

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Aug 14, 2026 · Updated 10 times

Summary

This study looks at how a specific nicotine receptor gene (CHRNA5) influences people's response to alcohol. Healthy adults aged 21-60, both smokers and non-smokers, will receive alcohol through an IV or drink it, while researchers measure their brain activity using MRI and track their drinking behavior. The goal is to understand why some people are more prone to alcohol use disorder.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Alcohol (oral and intravenous)
What this could lead to: If successful, this study could help explain why some people are more vulnerable to alcohol use disorder based on their genes, potentially guiding future prevention or treatment strategies.
What could go wrong: This is an early-phase, observational study with a small sample size. It does not test a treatment, so direct benefits are unlikely. Results may not apply to everyone.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Alcohol Drinking Smoking

As listed by the trial registrant

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

ALCOHOL DRINKING

Contacts and locations

Locations

National Institutes of Health Clinical Center
RECRUITING

Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, United States

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