The purpose of this study is to characterize the gut microbiome in people who drink alcohol compared to people who don’t drink alcohol.

You may qualify for this study if you meet the following criteria.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Between 18-65 years old
•  Heavy alcohol drinker 
• No illicit drug use (e.g., narcotics, amphetamines)
• No previous diagnosis of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or psychotic disorder
• Able to undergo MRI (no metal in the body, no claustrophobia)
• No history of serious brain injury
• No uncontrolled metabolic disorders (obesity, diabetes) or inflammatory bowel disease
• No current antibiotic or probiotic use
• If female, not pregnant or breastfeeding
• No clinically significant alcohol withdrawa

Once enrolled, this study involves:

• Pre-study phone screen for initial eligibility (~10-15 min).
• In-person screening visit for eligibility (~1-2 hours) – involves a breathalyzer and urine drug screen, completion of questionnaires and interviews about alcohol and substance use.
• In-person study visit 1 (~1.5-2 hours) – participants bring fecal sample collected from home, get a blood draw, and complete questionnaires and tasks.
• In-person study visit 2 (2 hours) – participants complete a brain imaging scan.

Compensation is provided up to $155 for your time.

There is no cost to you to participate in our study.