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

NCT ID NCT03294460

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jul 01, 2026 · Updated 3 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.

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.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

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

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

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.

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

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

Locations

  • National Institutes of Health Clinical Center

    RECRUITING

    Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, United States

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