Can a sleep aid curb alcohol cravings? early trial begins

NCT ID NCT06326684

Recruiting now Disease control Sponsor: William Stoops Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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

Summary

This early-phase study tests whether suvorexant, a drug used for insomnia, can reduce people's motivation to drink alcohol. Thirty adults with moderate to severe Alcohol Use Disorder will receive suvorexant or a placebo, then choose between alcohol and money. Researchers will measure how often they pick alcohol and track cravings and mood. The goal is to see if blocking orexin, a brain chemical, can help control drinking.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Suvorexant (a sleep medication) and alcohol
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a new way to reduce alcohol cravings and drinking in people with Alcohol Use Disorder.
What could go wrong: This is a very early, small trial (30 people) testing a sleep drug for a new purpose. It may not reduce drinking motivation, and results may not apply to everyone.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

alcohol abuse

As listed by the trial registrant

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

ALCOHOL USE DISORDER

Contacts and locations

Locations

Psychopharmacology of Addiction Laboratory
RECRUITING

Lexington, Kentucky, 40507, United States

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