Volunteer for a Research Study

Researchers at the University of Minnesota are conducting a study on alcohol and opioid use disorders to better understand individual differences and improve treatment outcomes.

Fast Facts

Ages 18-55

No Substance Use Disorders

Compensation

Provided

Able to Come In-Person to Minneapolis, MN

Study Background

This research aims to uncover what makes each person’s experience with alcohol or opioid use unique.

Dr. Anna Zilverstand and her research team at the University of Minnesota are studying how people with alcohol use disorder or opioid use disorder respond to positive and negative experiences, and how their alcohol and/or opioid use is related to their ability to stop their own behavior. By comparing individuals with and without alcohol or opioid use disorders, researchers hope to uncover what makes each person’s experience with addiction unique.

The ultimate goal is to use these findings to develop more personalized and effective treatments for people with alcohol and opioid use disorders. By understanding these individual differences, researchers hope to reduce relapse rates and help more people sustain long-term recovery.

Study Background

This research aims to uncover what makes each person’s experience with alcohol or opioid use unique.

Dr. Anna Zilverstand and her research team at the University of Minnesota are studying how people with alcohol use disorder or opioid use disorder respond to positive and negative experiences, and how their alcohol and/or opioid use is related to their ability to stop their own behavior. By comparing individuals with and without alcohol or opioid use disorders, researchers hope to uncover what makes each person’s experience with addiction unique.

The ultimate goal is to use these findings to develop more personalized and effective treatments for people with alcohol and opioid use disorders. By understanding these individual differences, researchers hope to reduce relapse rates and help more people sustain long-term recovery.

Additional Information

This research seeks to learn how differences between individuals with and without alcohol or opioid use disorders affect how they experience emotions and their ability to stop their own behavior. The ultimate goal is to develop more personalized, effective treatments for addiction.

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

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Ages 18-55
  • No substance use disorders
  • Able to come in-person to Minneapolis

Participation includes 6–8 visits over two months, each lasting about 2.5–3 hours.

  • You’ll complete questionnaires, interviews, and behavioral tasks.
  • At one visit, you’ll have an MRI brain scan at the University’s Center for Magnetic Resonance Research.
  • Each visit includes an alcohol, and urine drug screen.

All in-person sessions take place at the University of Minnesota (717 Delaware Street SE, Minneapolis, MN) except for the MRI.

Participants who have not been diagnosed with a substance use disorder can earn $260–$385. You’ll also receive reimbursement for transportation or parking costs (up to $30 per visit). Snacks and non-alcoholic beverages are provided during visits.

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