Feeling broke may fuel alcohol cravings, study finds

NCT ID NCT04128761

Completed Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study looked at whether thinking about financial scarcity changes how people with alcohol use disorder value alcohol and make decisions. 124 adults who wanted to cut down on drinking listened to either a story about scarcity or a neutral story. Researchers then measured their alcohol cravings, how much they'd pay for drinks, and their tendency to choose immediate rewards over future ones. The goal was to understand how economic stress might worsen drinking habits.

What this could mean

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

What this could lead to: If successful, this research could help explain why financial stress worsens alcohol problems and point toward new behavioral strategies to support recovery.
What could go wrong: This is a small, completed behavioral study, not a treatment trial. The findings may not apply to everyone with alcohol use disorder, and the effects of scarcity narratives may not translate to real-world changes in drinking.

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.

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

Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC

Roanoke, Virginia, 24016, United States

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