Stress makes you reach for a drink? science investigates

NCT ID NCT06264791

Completed Knowledge-focused Sponsor: University of Washington Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study looked at how stress influences the choice to drink alcohol in 160 regular drinkers. Participants were randomly assigned to stress or no-stress conditions and then completed a decision-making task choosing between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. The goal was to understand if and how stress changes drinking decisions, which could inform future efforts to prevent alcohol misuse.

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 study could help explain why people drink more when stressed, pointing toward better strategies to reduce harmful drinking.
What could go wrong: This is a small, completed lab study, not a treatment trial. Results may not apply to real-world drinking or lead to direct interventions.

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.

Alcoholic Intoxication poisoning Stress, Psychological

As listed by the trial registrant

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

ALCOHOL INTOXICATION PSYCHOLOGICAL STRESS

Contacts and locations

Locations

University of Washington

Seattle, Washington, 98105, United States

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