Alcohol Use Research Study
We would like to know if you are interested in participating in a project that will study alcohol given intravenously (IV). We deliver alcohol IV because it allows us much more precise control of intoxication. If you drink alcohol regularly and are 21 to 35 years old, we have multiple alcohol studies for which you may qualify. Please read below to learn about our studies.
Fast Facts
Drink Alcohol Regularly
21-35 Years Old
Compensation Provided
Conducted in Indianapolis, IN
Study Background
Binge & High-Intensity Drinking: Rate, Acute Tolerance, and Salience
This study examines the relationships among drinking behavior, family drinking history, and brain function. If enrolled, you will participate in two (separate) full-day alcohol infusion sessions (1-2 weeks apart) followed by a Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) session two or more weeks later.
Sex Differences in the Response to Abstinence from Alcohol
An earlier study noticed that alcohol use disorder often progresses differently in women than in men, but it is not known why. We are studying how periods of abstinence from alcohol (not drinking) may contribute to this difference, first in a controlled laboratory study and then by asking about people’s natural patterns of drinking and abstinence over the following 2 years.
Study Background
Binge & High-Intensity Drinking: Rate, Acute Tolerance, and Salience
This study examines the relationships among drinking behavior, family drinking history, and brain function. If enrolled, you will participate in two (separate) full-day alcohol infusion sessions (1-2 weeks apart) followed by a Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) session two or more weeks later.
Sex Differences in the Response to Abstinence from Alcohol
An earlier study noticed that alcohol use disorder often progresses differently in women than in men, but it is not known why. We are studying how periods of abstinence from alcohol (not drinking) may contribute to this difference, first in a controlled laboratory study and then by asking about people’s natural patterns of drinking and abstinence over the following 2 years.
Additional Information
Our lab is examining the how drinking behavior changes over time, and how it is affected by personality traits, personal and family history of alcohol use and problems, and brain function.
You may qualify for a study if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
21-35 years old
Drink alcohol at least 3 days a week, and sometimes drink 4 drinks (if male) or 3 drinks (if female) on an occasion.
Willing to abstain from alcohol for 2 weeks
All participants complete the following procedures to determine eligibility for enrollment:
- A brief online screening survey to assess whether basic requirements are met.
- A 2-4 hour interview which collects both screening information and some experimental data. The interview covers drinking and drug use history (for the participant and family), personality traits, along with medical and mental health history. This interview can be done by video conference or in person.
- A 1-hour in-person visit (can be combined with the interview if done in person) that includes a brief physical exam, an electrocardiogram (an ECG or EKG, which is a quick, painless measure of heart function), a blood draw for a Complete Blood Count (CBC) and a Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP), and collecting a urine sample to screen for drug use and pregnancy.
- Two full-day (8am-7pm) laboratory sessions scheduled 1-4 weeks apart, each consisting of an initial preparation period, a 2-3 hour intravenous alcohol infusion, and a recovery period. Some infusion sessions include an EEG recording (electroencephalogram, a measure of brain electrical activity).
Depending on the study, the following procedures may also apply:
- A 2-week monitored alcohol abstinence period scheduled immediately before one of the 2 full-day sessions. During these 2 weeks, the participant will be asked to refrain from the intake of any alcohol and will wear an ankle monitor that detects alcohol in sweat. During the 2 weeks, participants will visit the lab up to 5 times so the data from the ankle monitor can be downloaded.
- A 2-year follow-up after the second full-day session. The participant will be contacted every 3 months for an online questionnaire. At 1 and 2 years, another in-person or video conference will be scheduled.
- A 3-hour laboratory session that includes a 90 min fMRI (functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging). During the fMRI, brain activity is measured during simple tasks, rest, and while tasting different flavors. The fMRI is scheduled to occur a few weeks after the last alcohol infusion session.
Depending on which study you complete, you can receive up to $550-$770. There is no compensation for the initial brief online screen. All other stages of the study are compensated. Parking and transportation are reimbursed in the form of bus tickets, parking vouchers, or cash reimbursement (up to $10) for taxi/ride-share services.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.
