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Characterizing Brain Differences in Alcohol Dependence

This observational study aims to understand how the brains of people with alcohol dependence differ from those without. Researchers want to see if differences in brain structure and function are linked to personality, behavior, and genetics. The study will involve various brain imaging assessments (like fMRI, which measures brain activity by detecting changes in blood flow) and behavioral tests. You may be eligible if you are an adult aged 18 or older and have been pre-screened or are already participating in another NIAAA study. The goal is to identify brain, behavioral, and genetic factors associated with alcoholism.

Study design
This is an observational study with a planned enrollment of 1000 participants. It is not a treatment study.
What's involved
You will visit the NIH Clinical Center once. This visit includes a medical history, EKG, physical exam, blood and urine samples, and a psychiatric interview.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Not specified.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT02108080

Characterization Imaging Instruments in Alcoholics and Non-Alcoholics

Recruiting
Not specifiedAges 18+Observational
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
~1,000 participants
Updated 2026-08-28 on ClinicalTrials.gov

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Addiction Neuroimaging Assessments & blood oxygenation level
Measured over Multiple sessions
+1 more outcome measured

Conditions

Alcohol Dependence
Alcohol Drinking
Alcohol-Related Disorders
Alcoholism
Brain Mapping

Explore related trials

Alcohol use disorderHealthy

Where it's being run

1 sites across 1 states
Maryland1

Study leadership

  • Nancy Diazgranados, M.D. · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)

Who to contact

Beth A Lee, R.N.
[email protected]
(301) 451-6964
Email the study team

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Do you actually qualify for this trial?

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

Age 18 years or older,
Have been pre-screened, determined eligible for any NIAAA study, or enrolled in any

Exclusion

Positive BrAC#,
Positive urine drug test (UDT) # for benzodiazepines, cocaine, methamphetamines, and opiates for outpatients. Positive UDT for benzodiazepines is not exclusionary for the inpatients. It is common that the inpatients who are treated for AUD withdrawal are treated with benzodiazepines. Positive THC would also not be exclusionary for this study since it tends to be detected over the long period of time after use. However, we will make note of these for the data analysis purposes.
Task performance (behavioral, fMRI) only: cleared based on neuromotor examination,
Presence of ferromagnetic objects in the body that are contraindicated for MRI of the head (pacemakers or other implanted electrical devices, brain stimulators, some types of dental implants, aneurysm clips, metallic prostheses, permanent eyeliner, implanted delivery pump, or shrapnel fragments),
Cannot lie comfortably flat on back for up to 2 hours in the MRI scanner,
Uncomfortable in enclosed spaces (has claustrophobia) such that they would feel discomfort in the scanner,
Women: are pregnant#,
Are left-handed.
Inpatient participants with alcohol use disorder who have symptoms of alcohol withdrawal as indicated by the most recent measurement within the past 30 days, measured by the Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment (CIWA-Ar) score \> 8.
Subjects excluded from MR scan may still perform the behavioral tasks which would otherwise be performed in the scanner, if they qualify for behavioral tasks. To avoid undue discomfort, burden, and inconvenience this information, if available, can be gathered from routine clinical care or other NIAAA clinical studies and data.
Participants who meet this exclusion criterion will not participate in any part of this study at the time. They will be re-scheduled for a future date(s) when they do not meet any of the exclusionary criterion.

What this trial measures

  • Addiction Neuroimaging Assessments & blood oxygenation levelMultiple sessions

    Outcome measures of interest include differences in brain structural data and in blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) signals collected cross-sectionally and /or longitudinally at various stages of alcohol use disorder

  • Addiction Neuroimaging AssessmentsMultiple sessions

    structural and functional connectivity in salience, default mode, and executive control networks