Alcohol Use
Research Studies
Researchers at Indiana University are conducting two studies to learn more about how periods of abstinence from alcohol affect drinking patterns. Men who regularly drink alcohol are invited to participate and help improve our understanding of alcohol use and approaches to prevention and care.
Fast Facts
Regular alcohol use
Men ages 21-35
Total compensation
ranges $450 to $770
Conducted in
Indianapolis, IN
Additional Information
The goal of our research is to understand alcohol use; how it changes over time, why individuals are affected differently, and how best to prevent problems and improve treatment. The two studies have slightly different aims:
Study 1: Sex Differences in the Response to Abstinence from Alcohol
- To understand why interruptions in usual drinking patterns change the risk for developing alcohol problems in some people, but not others.
Study 2: Binge & High-Intensity Drinking: Rate, Acute Tolerance, and Salience
- To better understand the relationships between alcohol drinking behavior, family drinking history and brain function.
You may be eligible for a study if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- 21-35 years old
- Male
- Drink alcohol regularly
- Willing to come to lab 3-7 times, 2 of which are full day sessions
- Willing to abstain from alcohol for 2 weeks
- Willing to complete surveys every 3 months for 2 years
Screening
- Complete a brief online screening survey
- Complete a 2-4 hour interview (by video or in person) covering drinking and drug use history and personality traits
In-Lab Visits
- Complete a 1-hour in-person visit with a medical/mental health history, brief physical exam, EKG, blood draw, and urine screen
- Attend 2 full-day lab sessions (about 10 hours each), scheduled 1-3 weeks apart. In these sessions, you will receive alcohol intravenously (IV), which allows precise control of intoxication.
You may also:
- Complete a 2-week period without alcohol before one of the full-day sessions, wearing a monitoring device and visiting the lab periodically
- Complete a 90-minute MRI
Follow-Up
- Complete a brief check-in interview every 3 months for 2 years after the lab sessions
Yes. Participants can receive compensation for completing different parts of the studies, with the opportunity to earn up to $550 total for one and $770 total for the other.
Transportation support is also available, including parking vouchers, bus tickets, or limited reimbursement for rideshare services.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research studies.