Fighting with your partner could fuel binge drinking, study suggests
NCT ID NCT06976528
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Aug 11, 2026 · Updated 2 times
Summary
This study looks at how arguments between romantic partners may lead to heavy drinking in young adults aged 21-29. Researchers will observe 160 couples as they complete conflict and puzzle tasks, and measure their heart rate and alcohol intake. The goal is to understand the link between relationship stress and alcohol misuse, which could inform future prevention strategies.
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 point toward better ways to prevent heavy drinking in young adults by focusing on romantic relationship dynamics.
- What could go wrong
- This is an observational study, not a treatment trial. It may not lead to any direct intervention, and results may not apply to all young adults or relationships.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 160 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Sep 2025
- Expected to finish
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Jul 2028
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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21 to 29 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Age 21-29 years old 2. Must be in a committed romantic relationship of at least 3 months duration 3. Must report at least 2 HED episodes in the past 30 days (5 or more drinks within 2 hours for males, 4 or more drinks within 2 hours for females) 4. Must self-report that they have - on at least three occasions during the past year - consumed a quantity of alcohol that is equal to or greater than the standard dose administered for their weight in the laboratory Exclusion Criteria: 1. Meeting DSM-5 criteria for a history of or current neurological, psychotic, or bipolar disorders 2. History of self-reported head trauma requiring medical treatment 3. Body weight exceeding 250 pounds 4. Current enrollment in treatment or seeking treatment for a substance or alcohol use disorder 5. Current suicidal or homicidal intent 6. Serious cardiovascular health conditions (e.g. pacemaker, cardiac arrhythmia, hypertension) that may alter normative cardiac functioning 7. Treatment on medications such as lithium, methadone, alpha or beta blockers or cholinergic/anticholinergic medications likely to confound normative cardiovascular responding or response to alcohol administration. Stimulant or benzodiazepine medication use is permissible provided participants do not take medication on the day of study participation 8. Severe and/or unilateral physical IPV with your current partner at any time 9. Sexual IPV with current partner at any time 10. Fear of current partner 11. Pregnancy or breastfeeding 12. Severe Alcohol Use Disorder (as defined by the DSM-5) 13. Current diagnosis of anorexia or bulimia
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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.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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386 Park Avenue South
RECRUITINGNew York, New York, 10016, United States
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