Fast Facts
Drink >10 Alcoholic Drinks (or 20 UK units) Per Week And Wanting to Cut Down
21-65 Years Old
Compensation Provided
Conducted in London
Study Background
Researchers at the University College London (UCL) are conducting a study with adults to find out whether the psychedelic drug Dimethyltryptamine (DMT), and two non-psychedelic drugs called D-cycloserine (or ‘DCS’) and Lisuride can help the brain adapt and change more easily (a process called neuroplasticity). They are also investigating whether these drugs can reduce the brain’s response to alcohol-related rewards, which could make it easier for people to cut down on drinking.
Drinking too much alcohol is a serious public health issue, linked to a range of physical, mental, and social problems. Even though there are treatments and support available, many people find it hard to cut down because their brains have learned to associate alcohol with pleasure and routine. Recent research suggests that some drugs might help the brain adapt and form new connections (a process called neuroplasticity), which could make it easier for people to change their drinking habits.
This study is looking at whether a short-acting psychedelic (DMT) and two non-psychedelic drugs (DCS and Lisuride) can help the brain become more flexible and reduce the urge to drink. By studying how these drugs affect brain activity and behaviour, researchers hope to find out if they could support people who want to drink less.
Study Background
Drinking too much alcohol is a serious public health issue, linked to a range of physical, mental, and social problems. Even though there are treatments and support available, many people find it hard to cut down because their brains have learned to associate alcohol with pleasure and routine. Recent research suggests that some drugs might help the brain adapt and form new connections (a process called neuroplasticity), which could make it easier for people to change their drinking habits.
This study is looking at whether a short-acting psychedelic (DMT) and two non-psychedelic drugs (DCS and Lisuride) can help the brain become more flexible and reduce the urge to drink. By studying how these drugs affect brain activity and behaviour, researchers hope to find out if they could support people who want to drink less.
Additional Information
You may qualify for this study if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- 21-65 years old
- 10+ standard drinks (pints of beer or cider, or medium glasses of wine) per week
- Want to cut down on drinking
- Have not been diagnosed with a substance use disorder (e.g., alcohol, opioid)
- Able to undergo MRI scan (no metal in the body, no claustrophobia)
Exclusion Criteria:
- Current diagnosed psychiatric conditions (e.g., depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, anorexia, psychosis)
- Regular use (> 2x per month) of illicit drugs (e.g., opioids, cocaine, ketamine, cannabis)
- Use of psychedelic drugs within the last three months
- History of major or unstable conditions physical health conditions (e.g., hypertension, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease)
- BMI < 18 or > 35
- Personal or family history of schizophrenia or borderline personality disorder
We appreciate your interest in our research study. Below is a detailed breakdown of what to expect at each stage.
Visit 1: Baseline Assessment (5-6 hours)
Location: UCL Brain Scanning Unit (BUCNI)
Your first visit will include a variety of assessments to gather baseline data:
- Breathalyser and a small finger-prick blood test
- Basic health checks (height, weight, heart rate, blood pressure)
- Questionnaires about mood, attitudes, and alcohol consumption
- Engaging computer tasks
- MRI brain scan while watching a full-length film
- Discussion on motivation and strategies for reducing alcohol consumption
- Setup of a mobile app for daily journaling
Between Visit 1 and Visit 2
- Complete a brief online preparation course for the upcoming infusion session
- Spend about 10 minutes per day engaging with the mobile app
Visit 2: Drug Infusion (4 hours, 7-10 days after Visit 1)
Before arriving:
- No food for six hours and no liquids for two hours prior
- No driving or cycling after the session—please arrange for someone to collect you
During the session:
- Breathalyser test and questionnaires
- EEG cap fitting to record brain activity
- Discussion with the research team about expectations
- Infusion of DMT, DCS, Lisuride, or a placebo via IV (10-minute infusion)
- EEG recordings during the experience
- Post-infusion discussion and monitoring
DMT is a powerful hallucinogen—if received, the experience may be intense.
Visit 3: Follow-Up MRI (5 hours, 14 days after Visit 2)
- Repeat breathalyser, finger-prick blood test, and questionnaires
- MRI scan while watching a different full-length film
Compensation: £10 per hour for time spent at UCL
Follow-Up Visits (1, 3, 6, and 9 months after infusion)
Duration: 30-60 minutes per session at UCL
- Finger-prick blood test to measure alcohol consumption markers
- Online questionnaire (remote option available if needed)
- Continued mobile app journaling during “active weeks”
Compensation: £25 per visit, plus a potential bonus of up to £40 for app engagement
Transportation
Participants must use public transport for study visits.
Taxis may be provided after Visit 2 (within London).
As a participant, you can receive up to £250.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.
This study has approval from the UCL Research Ethics Committee (17715/001).
It is being conducted under a UK Home Office Licence for research with Schedule I drugs.