Could a common heart pill curb stress drinking?
NCT ID NCT03588754
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This small pilot study tested whether propranolol, a beta blocker usually used for high blood pressure, can reduce alcohol drinking triggered by stress. Twenty adults with alcohol use disorder were randomly assigned to take propranolol or a placebo for about two weeks, then completed two lab sessions where they were exposed to a stressful or relaxing situation and given access to alcohol. The goal was to see if propranolol lowered how much they drank after stress. The study was suspended, so results are not yet available.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
Propranolol (a beta blocker, typically used for high blood pressure)
What this could lead to
If it works, this could point toward a medication that helps people with alcohol use disorder drink less when stressed.
What could go wrong
This is a very small pilot study (20 people) that was suspended, so results are limited. It may not work or may not apply to everyone with alcohol use disorder.
Disclaimer
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the original study
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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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Yale University School of Medicine
New Haven, Connecticut, 06519, United States