Alcohol abuse

This early-phase study tests whether a type of brain stimulation called rTMS can help older adults (ages 60-85) who have both alcohol use disorder and mild cognitive impairment. Participants receive 50 sessions of stimulation over one week. Researchers will measure changes in thi…

This study tests whether cannabidiol (CBD) can reduce alcohol cravings and drinking in people with alcohol use disorder. Thirty-six participants will receive both CBD and a placebo at different times to compare effects. The goal is to see if CBD can help control alcohol use, but …

This study tests whether a drug that blocks alpha-1 receptors can help people with alcohol use disorder drink less and feel less craving. About 184 adults who want to cut back or quit drinking will take the drug or a placebo and report their drinking and cravings. The goal is to …

This small pilot study at Yale tests whether semaglutide (a drug used for diabetes and weight loss) can help people who have had bariatric surgery and now struggle with alcohol use disorder. Ten adults will take the drug for three months and be followed for three more months to s…

This trial tests whether extra support from peer recovery specialists can help young adults aged 18 to 25 stay in outpatient substance use treatment. Participants receive four weekly sessions plus monthly check-ins focused on motivation and skills to improve attendance. Researche…

This study tests whether semaglutide, a drug used for diabetes and weight loss, can help people with alcohol use disorder drink less. About 80 adults will receive either the drug or a placebo shot weekly for 5 months. Researchers will measure changes in drinking, brain activity, …

This study tests whether a telemedicine program that combines brief counseling with cognitive-behavioral therapy can help people with HIV reduce unhealthy alcohol use and improve their overall health. About 308 participants in Alabama will receive either the combined program or b…

This study tests whether capsules containing bacteria from healthy people can safely reduce alcohol cravings and drinking in adults with alcohol-related liver disease and cirrhosis. About 80 participants will receive either the bacteria capsules or a placebo, and researchers will…

This phase 2 trial is investigating whether psilocybin, the active compound in magic mushrooms, combined with psychological support, is safe and suitable for military veterans and first responders who have both alcohol use disorder (AUD) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). …

This trial tests a model called 15-Mental, designed to help mental health staff identify and address mild-to-moderate alcohol problems in patients receiving outpatient psychiatric care. The approach combines screening, counseling techniques, and optional medication. Researchers w…

This study tests whether a telehealth-delivered counseling program, called VetReach, can help veterans with opioid use disorder engage in treatment and improve their outcomes. The program combines motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioral therapy, delivered remotely. Res…

This study tests a program called Just Care for Families, designed to help parents in rural Oregon who are involved with child welfare services and struggle with opioid or methamphetamine use. The program combines substance use treatment, mental health support, parenting training…

This study tests whether a brief screening and a telehealth counseling session in the emergency department can help people reduce their use of drugs or alcohol. About 650 adults who are at low or moderate risk for substance use problems will take part. The goal is to see if this …

This study looks at whether adding a six-session group recovery program and a 90-day home telehealth program can help veterans with substance use disorders drink less and use fewer drugs. About 195 veterans from a VA psychiatric unit will be randomly assigned to one of three grou…

This study tests a new approach to help young adults reduce harmful drinking. Participants can customize which peer groups they compare their drinking to, making the feedback more personal. The trial will enroll 250 University of Washington students who drink regularly and will m…

This trial tests a program that combines motivational interviewing and behavioral couples therapy to reduce intimate partner violence and alcohol use among married couples in South India. Around 800 couples where the wife has experienced violence and the husband has alcohol use d…

This phase 2 trial tests whether zonisamide, a drug currently used for seizures, can help adults with alcohol use disorder drink less. About 205 treatment-seeking participants will receive either zonisamide or a placebo, along with standard support. The study measures alcohol con…

This study tests a telehealth program called the Ria Treatment Platform for people with alcohol use disorder. Participants receive medication, coaching, educational videos, and a Bluetooth breathalyzer through their phone. The goal is to see if this approach helps reduce heavy dr…

This study tests whether a lifestyle physical activity program, supported by a Fitbit and phone counseling, can help women with depression who are in alcohol treatment reduce their risk of relapse. Participants are randomly assigned to either receive the full program or just a Fi…

This study aimed to see if asking people to put down a deposit (between $30 and $100) that they could earn back by meeting their drinking goals would help them drink less. Participants would wear a remote alcohol monitor to track their drinking. The study was withdrawn before any…

This study tests whether a personalized addiction monitoring program helps liver transplant patients avoid serious alcohol relapse one year after surgery. Researchers will follow 64 adults who are being evaluated for a liver transplant at a French hospital. The program includes m…

This study tests whether citicoline, an over-the-counter supplement, can help young people ages 16 to 22 with alcohol use disorder. Over 4 weeks, participants receive either citicoline or a placebo. Researchers measure changes in immune markers, brain chemistry, and thinking skil…

This study looks at ways to help people of color living in areas with high overdose rates start and continue medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid or alcohol use. Researchers will track how many treatment sessions people attend and whether they stick with their medicatio…

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 compl…

This study tests whether ibudilast, an anti-inflammatory drug used in Japan, can help people with alcohol use disorder drink less. Fifty adults will take either ibudilast or a placebo for 6 weeks, plus counseling. The main goal is to see if it reduces the number of heavy drinking…

This study is testing a specially adapted form of talk therapy for transgender and nonbinary people who have alcohol use disorder. The therapy, based on interpersonal psychotherapy, is designed to address unique life experiences that may affect drinking. The study will enroll 30 …

This study tests if a mobile app called Stand Down, with or without extra support from a peer specialist over the phone, can help Veterans who drink heavily cut back. About 234 Veterans who screened positive for hazardous drinking and own a smartphone are taking part. The goal is…

This study tests a guided internet-based treatment program called eBA for people with harmful alcohol use. Participants complete 9 online modules over 8-12 weeks, with therapist support. The goal is to see if the program reduces drinking and improves mental health and quality of …

This study tests whether a collaborative care model—where a nurse care manager works with your primary care doctor and an addiction specialist—can help adults reduce their use of opioids, stimulants (like cocaine or meth), and heavy drinking. About 300 patients from primary care …

This pilot study tests a web-based program called Let's Do Addiction Recovery Together! (LDART) for adults with alcohol use disorder. Participants use the website to set daily goals, watch motivational messages from people in recovery, and find local support groups. The study wil…

This study tests whether combining online sessions with in-person therapy helps people with alcohol use disorder stay in treatment longer and drink less. About 1800 adults seeking public alcohol treatment in Denmark will take part. The goal is to see if this blended approach work…

This study tests a behavioral program called contingency management for people who have had a liver transplant due to alcohol-related liver disease and have started drinking again. Participants get rewards like gift cards for staying alcohol-free, measured by urine and blood test…

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 t…

This study tests new technology-driven programs to help people with alcohol use disorder manage their drinking and well-being. The programs focus on personal goals and healthy behaviors. Researchers will see if these virtual tools help people start and stick with treatment and re…

This study compares two ways to help people with both substance use and mental health disorders: a full team-based program called MISSION that provides counseling, peer support, and community outreach for 6 months, versus just linking them with a peer specialist. Researchers hope…

This study tests a phone-based care management program for adults with depression, anxiety, or risky drinking. Participants get regular check-ins and support from a mental health technician, while their primary care doctor receives treatment recommendations. The goal is to see if…

This study tests whether a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called rTMS can improve daily functioning in 100 veterans who have both alcohol use disorder and a history of mild traumatic brain injury. Researchers will identify a specific brain target and then stimulate it w…

This study tests whether giving small monetary rewards for sober breathalyzer readings, collected remotely via a smartphone app, helps people with alcohol use disorder stay abstinent after completing detox. About 91 participants will use the app and breathalyzer at home, and rese…

This study tests whether giving people with alcohol use disorder monetary rewards for submitting breathalyzer tests that show no alcohol can help them stay abstinent. Participants use a smartphone app and a breathalyzer at home. The goal is to see if this remote approach works as…

This study tests whether a brain stimulation technique called deep rTMS can help people with alcohol use disorder drink less. Participants receive either real or sham rTMS over 3 weeks while staying in the hospital. Researchers measure changes in alcohol self-administration and c…

This study tests whether psilocybin, the active ingredient in magic mushrooms, can help people with both major depression and alcohol use disorder. Researchers at Johns Hopkins will give 90 adults either psilocybin or a placebo and track changes in mood and drinking habits. The g…

This study tests whether a personalized program—including patient navigation, individual health benefits, and financial help—can reduce deaths from preventable causes like heart attacks, strokes, heavy drinking, and HIV in low-income adults aged 35–64. Researchers will track chan…

This study compares two ways to treat alcohol use disorder in Black adults: a computer-based therapy offered in a Black church versus traditional care at a specialty clinic. Researchers want to see which setting gets more people to start and stay in treatment, and leads to more d…

This early-stage study tests whether a drug called apremilast can help people with Alcohol Use Disorder drink less alcohol. Ten adults will take the medicine and then have their drinking measured in a lab setting. The goal is to see if the drug reduces alcohol consumption, especi…

This study looks at whether having a trained peer (someone with similar experiences) as a case manager can help people with HIV who also have mental health or substance use problems get the care they need. About 405 adults from an HIV clinic will be randomly assigned to either us…

This study tests a program for couples to help adolescent girls and young women (ages 15-24) living with HIV in Uganda stay engaged in their HIV care. The approach works with male partners to reduce heavy drinking and intimate partner violence, which often interfere with women ta…

This study tests whether online mindfulness-based relapse prevention (MBRP) helps people with alcohol use disorder maintain long-term recovery. About 470 adults who recently sought treatment or tried to cut back on drinking will either join MBRP video groups or be referred to onl…

This pilot study tests whether a single dose of psilocybin or ketamine, combined with psychotherapy, can help men with moderate to severe alcohol use disorder drink less. Twenty men aged 25-65 will receive one of the two drugs and be followed for changes in drinking habits and br…

This early study tests whether brexanolone, a drug already approved for postpartum depression, can safely reduce stress-induced alcohol use in 25 adults with both PTSD and alcohol use disorder. Participants receive a continuous 20-hour IV infusion under medical supervision. The m…

This pilot study follows 20 adults in Oregon who are using psilocybin (the active ingredient in magic mushrooms) to help with alcohol use disorder. Researchers are observing how often participants have heavy drinking days before and after psilocybin sessions. The study does not p…

This study tests whether a stepped alcohol treatment delivered via video or phone calls can help people with advanced liver disease cut back on unhealthy drinking. About 180 participants will be randomly assigned to either the treatment program or usual care. The goal is to see i…

This study aims to eliminate hepatitis C among people who use drugs in Paris, Marseille, Lyon, and Fort-de-France. Researchers will screen participants, provide immediate treatment, and use a peer-referral system to reach more people. The goal is to see if this community-based ap…

This study looks at how to best help HIV clinics in Vietnam offer a short alcohol counseling program to patients who drink heavily. The goal is to reduce risky drinking and lower the chance of spreading HIV. Over 3,200 people living with HIV and clinic staff are taking part to se…

This study tests whether an app-based early intervention can help reduce alcohol use and posttraumatic stress symptoms in people who have recently experienced sexual assault. Participants are randomly assigned to receive different versions of the THRIVE app, which includes activi…

This study tests a digital program called BrotherlyACT designed for young Black males aged 15-24 who have experienced trauma. The program includes life skills coaching, safety planning, and an AI chatbot to help reduce violence and substance use. 300 participants will be split in…

This study tests whether a workshop led by fellow firefighters can help prevent PTSD, depression, anxiety, and alcohol problems in new firefighter recruits. About 480 trainees will take part in either an emotion regulation workshop or a standard education session during their aca…

This study tests whether a brief alcohol intervention (a few counseling sessions) helps people who are starting or restarting PrEP (HIV prevention pills) to drink less and stick with their PrEP routine. About 562 participants in Hanoi will be randomly assigned to receive the inte…

This study tests whether training store staff and increasing enforcement can reduce marijuana sales to obviously-intoxicated customers. Researchers will send actors pretending to be drunk to buy marijuana and see if stores refuse the sale. The goal is to prevent impaired driving …

Researchers are testing a personalized, non-drug treatment for adults with ongoing depression, anxiety, trauma-related symptoms, sleep problems, attention difficulties, or substance-use concerns. Instead of assigning treatment by diagnosis alone, the study selects approaches base…

This study tests a cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) group designed specifically for women Veterans who have alcohol use disorder. About 162 women will take part, and the therapy focuses on changing drinking habits and related behaviors. The goal is to see if this female-only ap…

This study compares a 3-session couples program (Brief Relationship Checkup) to standard individual care for 360 veterans and their partners who have relationship and mental health concerns. The goal is to see which approach better reduces suicide risk factors by improving relati…

This study tests whether a home-based physical activity program, using a Fitbit and coaching sessions, can help people with HIV who drink heavily increase their daily steps and reduce their alcohol intake. The trial involves 222 participants in the U.S. who are low-active and dri…

This study tests a telehealth program called MCBMAP that combines counseling and skills training to help people with HIV reduce chronic pain and unhealthy drinking. The program is delivered entirely through video calls and online materials, making it easier for participants to jo…

This study asks whether standard residential treatment for substance use disorders can improve a person's ability to empathize with others. Researchers will measure empathy levels in about 108 adults before and after they complete a residential program followed by partial hospita…

This pilot study is testing whether giving people non-alcoholic beer or sparkling water can help them reduce their alcohol intake. 60 adults with alcohol use disorder who are already in treatment will receive one of the two drinks for 6 weeks. The main goal is to see if people fi…

This study tests whether a mobile app for PTSD, along with brief weekly support sessions, can help people who are already in treatment for alcohol problems. About 300 adults with both PTSD and alcohol use disorder will use the app or receive standard care. Researchers will track …

This study tests a program called Omnis Salutis for recent veterans with PTSD, depression, anxiety, or substance use disorders. The program teaches veterans to identify their health goals and communicate them to doctors and family. Researchers want to see if it improves social an…

This study tests whether a ketone supplement called Kenetik can reduce withdrawal symptoms in people undergoing alcohol detox. Fifty adults with alcohol use disorder will receive either the supplement or a placebo drink during their 5-day inpatient treatment. The goal is to see i…

This pilot study tests a specific type of drama therapy for people who have both a mental health condition (like depression or bipolar disorder) and a substance use disorder. Ten participants will attend weekly group drama therapy sessions for 12 weeks, then put on a performance.…

This pilot study tests whether a 6-week telephone-based therapy called Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help Hong Kong Chinese young adults (ages 18-25) with alcohol use disorder drink less. Sixty participants will be randomly assigned to receive either ACT or social s…

This study tests whether a non-invasive ultrasound treatment on the brain can lower cravings and help prevent relapse in people with alcohol use disorder. About 40 adults will be randomly assigned to receive either the real ultrasound or a fake (sham) treatment, and neither they …

This pilot study tests whether repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) can reduce alcohol cravings in veterans who also have mild traumatic brain injury or PTSD. Twenty veterans will receive either real or placebo rTMS over 10 sessions in two weeks. The goal is to see…

This study tests a behavioral program for 18- to 29-year-olds who are not in college and drink heavily. The program combines a brief counseling session with wellness activities to reduce stress and offer alternatives to alcohol. Researchers will track changes in drinking and rela…

This study aims to test a new assessment tool called the ANA, which uses surveys and computer tasks to measure three key brain functions related to addiction. Researchers will study 1,400 adults with alcohol use disorder to see how these brain functions relate to drinking behavio…

This study tests whether a brief information session can help people with risky alcohol use feel more comfortable seeking help. Many avoid help due to shame or fear of consequences, even though effective treatments exist. Researchers will measure changes in participants' willingn…

Researchers at Sahlgrenska University Hospital are collecting cerebrospinal fluid through lumbar puncture from people with alcohol use disorder and from healthy volunteers across different ages. They will measure molecules such as dopamine and test how the fluid affects nerve cel…

This study uses smartphone data to understand what triggers anxiety and alcohol use in each person, then tailors therapy to those specific triggers. 81 adults with anxiety and alcohol problems will receive 11 sessions of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) either personalized to t…

This study follows 250 adults with alcohol use disorder who receive 12 weeks of talk therapy. Researchers will track their drinking habits, negative consequences, and quality of life for a year after treatment. The goal is to better understand the different ways people recover an…

This study aimed to see how well a blood test (phosphatidylethanol) detects heavy alcohol use. Researchers planned to compare test results in heavy drinkers and check how stable the samples are over time. However, the study was withdrawn before enrolling anyone, so no results are…

This study from Mayo Clinic tests whether a smartphone app called Senyo Health can help connect people with substance use disorders to treatment through their primary care doctor. Sixty participants will use the app for 12 weeks, which includes therapy modules, weekly check-ins w…

This study tests whether telehealth programs can help people manage their alcohol use and improve well-being. About 300 adults with alcohol use disorder will join remotely via video or phone. They will be split into two groups: one gets a telehealth program, the other gets usual …

This study follows 70 Romanian adults with alcohol use disorder who have been sober for at least a year. Researchers use personality tests and spiritual well-being surveys to see what predicts a calm, fulfilling sobriety versus a difficult one. The goal is to better understand re…

This study looks at how alcohol changes brain activity when people interact with each other. Researchers will use special brain scans (EEG) on pairs of people while they drink and do tasks. The goal is to understand the brain processes behind alcohol's social effects. 240 adults …

This study aims to find better ways to ensure veterans with PTSD, depression, or alcohol/opioid problems receive proven treatments. Currently, only 3-28% of patients get these effective therapies. Researchers will compare a participatory business engineering method (Participatory…

This study looks at whether a method called the 15-Method can help doctors in general practice better identify and treat patients with alcohol problems. The method combines screening with treatment options already available in primary care. Researchers will track how many patient…

This study tests a program called LIFT to help people who inject drugs in Kyrgyzstan face less stigma and lower their risk of HIV. About 80 participants will join peer-led group sessions to build support and learn how to use HIV prevention services. The goal is to see if the prog…

This study tests a machine-learning tool that gives doctors a pop-up alert when they prescribe opioids to a patient at high risk of overdose. The alert explains why the patient is at risk and suggests safer options, like prescribing naloxone or referring to pain therapy. Research…

This study examines how young adults who regularly binge drink respond to alcohol, caffeine, and Benadryl. Researchers want to see if these responses can predict future drinking patterns. About 800 participants will complete lab sessions and be followed for at least two years.

This study aimed to understand how a person's socioeconomic status (like income and education) affects their recovery from substance use disorder. Researchers planned to follow adults in early recovery for up to 3 years, measuring changes in social functioning, quality of life, a…

This study is developing and testing a smartphone app called R-Assist for people recently released from jail who have both substance use and mental health disorders. The app tracks symptoms, connects users to resources like housing and recovery groups, and measures how easy it is…

This study looks at how a single dose of a ketone ester supplement (DeltaG) changes glucose use in the brain and heart of people with alcohol use disorder compared to healthy volunteers. Twenty participants will receive either the supplement or a placebo, then undergo PET scans. …

This study aimed to develop a digital health worker named PAHOLA to deliver brief counseling for people who drink too much but avoid traditional treatment. The goal was to see if a computer-based coach could help reduce alcohol use and improve health. The study was withdrawn befo…

This study looks at whether a single dose of diclofenac, a common pain reliever, can change a specific brain chemical in people with alcohol use disorder. Twelve adults with mild to severe alcohol use disorder will receive either diclofenac or a placebo in a double-blind fashion.…

This study looks at how to help primary care clinics screen more adults for substance use problems. It compares different support strategies like coaching, team learning, and financial rewards. 144 clinic staff from 48 practices will take part. The goal is to find the best way to…

This study looks at tobacco, cannabis, and other drug use among homeless and at-risk youth in downtown Ottawa. Researchers will follow 520 participants aged 16 and older who are homeless or insecurely housed and have a history of cannabis use and mental illness. The goal is to un…

This study tests whether offering brief counseling in barbershops can help men in rural Arkansas drink less alcohol. About 611 men will take part, and researchers will track their drinking habits and mental health. The goal is to see if barbershops are a good place to reach men w…

This study tests whether a "Care Navigator" — a personal guide — can help people with substance use problems start and stay in treatment. About 360 adults who call a mental health access center will be randomly assigned to get usual care or extra help from a navigator. The goal i…

This study looks back at 10,000 hospital patients to learn more about low sodium levels (hyponatremia). Researchers want to know how common it is, how fast doctors correct it, and whether that affects patient outcomes like brain damage or death. No new drug or treatment is being …

This study looks at how alcohol disrupts sleep in women versus men, and whether menstrual cycle phase plays a role. Healthy adults aged 21-45 who drink regularly will have their sleep monitored in a lab after receiving alcohol or a placebo. The goal is to understand if female sex…

This pilot study looks at whether a computer-based alcohol intervention, combined with help from a community health worker, can reduce heavy drinking and improve HIV prevention among women. About 12 women who drink heavily and are either living with HIV or at risk for it will tak…

This early-phase study is testing a new PET scan tracer called [18F]NOS to see if it can detect inflammation in the brain and body of people with alcohol use disorder (AUD). Researchers will compare up to 60 people with AUD and up to 30 healthy volunteers. Each person gets one PE…

This early study is testing whether focused ultrasound, a non-invasive technique that uses sound waves to target specific brain areas, is safe and feasible for people with opioid or other substance use disorders. The study involves 20 adults aged 22-60 who are currently in treatm…

This study follows 120 people in group therapy for alcohol use disorder to see which patient factors—like mental health, drinking severity, personality, or thinking skills—predict who finishes treatment and stays sober a year later. Researchers hope to learn how to match patients…