Could a Stop-Smoking drug curb heavy drinking in HIV patients?

NCT ID NCT06006143

Ongoing Disease control Sponsor: Yale University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This pilot study tests whether giving the smoking-cessation drug varenicline to people with HIV who also have alcohol use disorder is practical and safe. Thirty participants will receive the medication along with support from a pharmacist and psychiatrist. The goal is to see if this approach can reduce alcohol use, but the study is small and early, so results will be preliminary.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: varenicline
What this could lead to: If this works, it could point toward a practical way to help people with HIV reduce heavy drinking using an existing medication.
What could go wrong: This is a very small pilot study with only 30 participants, no placebo group, and it's not designed to prove the drug works. The medication is being used off-label, so unexpected side effects are possible.

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

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

AIDS alcohol abuse HIV infectious disease nicotine dependence

As listed by the trial registrant

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

ALCOHOL USE DISORDER HIV TOBACCO USE DISORDER

Contacts and locations

Locations

Atlanta VA Medical Center

Decatur, Georgia, 30033, United States

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