Alcohol Use Research Study
Researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine are conducting a study on how an anti-inflammatory medication affects the brain in people who drink alcohol regularly.
Fast Facts
Adults Who Regularly Drink Alcohol
No Major Medical Conditions & No History of Substance Abuse
Compensation
Provided
Conducted in
Baltimore, MD
Study Background
This research study is exploring whether an anti-inflammatory medication may reduce brain inflammation associated with heavy alcohol use.
The University of Maryland School of Medicine is conducting this Diclofenac Dose Response Study to better understand the relationship between alcohol use, inflammation, and brain function. While alcohol affects many systems of the body, recent research suggests that inflammation in the brain may play a key role in some of the effects of heavy drinking.
By testing the medication diclofenac, commonly used for other conditions, researchers hope to learn more about how reducing inflammation may impact memory, attention, and overall brain health. This is an exploratory study, not a treatment program, but it could provide important insights into how medications might one day help people with alcohol-related conditions.
Study Background
This research study is exploring whether an anti-inflammatory medication may reduce brain inflammation associated with heavy alcohol use.
The University of Maryland School of Medicine is conducting this Diclofenac Dose Response Study to better understand the relationship between alcohol use, inflammation, and brain function. While alcohol affects many systems of the body, recent research suggests that inflammation in the brain may play a key role in some of the effects of heavy drinking.
By testing the medication diclofenac, commonly used for other conditions, researchers hope to learn more about how reducing inflammation may impact memory, attention, and overall brain health. This is an exploratory study, not a treatment program, but it could provide important insights into how medications might one day help people with alcohol-related conditions.
Additional Information
This study is being conducted to determine whether diclofenac, an anti-inflammatory medication, can reduce brain inflammation linked to heavy alcohol use.
You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Adults who regularly drink alcohol
- No major medical conditions
- No history of substance abuse
- If male, drink at least 14 drinks per week
- If female, drink at least 7 drinks per week
- Willing to attend all-day sessions, take medication, complete questionnaires, and give blood samples
- A brief phone screen with study staff.
- An in-person screening visit at the Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, including consent, medical tests, and questionnaires.
- If eligible, you will complete four full-day study sessions at the research center. At each session, you will take the study medication under supervision, complete memory and attention tests, fill out questionnaires, and provide blood samples.
- Stool samples will also be collected for research purposes.
Participants can receive between $800 and $1,012 for their time and participation in the study. Participants may also be able to request a copy of some of their health information provided for the study.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.
Principal Investigator’s (PI) name: Dr. Daniel Roche
Protocol number: HP-00109891