Alcohol Use Disorder Care in Primary Care: Making Treatment Easier and More Effective
Official title: Evaluating Implementation and Effectiveness of Alcohol Use Disorder Care Management in Primary Care
Funded at Veterans Health Research Institute of Central New York, INC. · NIH-11438214 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A primary care-based program helps people with alcohol use disorder get evidence-based medications and support over 12 weeks to improve drinking outcomes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Veterans Health Research Institute of Central New York, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Syracuse, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $124,906 |
| NIH project number | 1R34AA033422-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11438214 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with alcohol use disorder who are treated in primary care settings and are candidates for MAUD.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not interested in MAUD or those without access to primary care-based care management may see limited benefits.
What this research studies
This project tests how well implementing Alcohol Care Management works in a usual primary care clinic. It builds on a prior randomized trial showing ACM can reduce heavy drinking and boost MAUD use when provided by a primary care team with behavioral health support. The approach uses the patient’s existing clinician and a dedicated 12-week care management plan to encourage treatment adherence. The study will look at how this model can be implemented in real clinics and whether it improves outcomes across patients with AUD. Results could guide more widespread adoption in primary care settings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could receive more consistent access to effective medications and supportive care for AUD within their primary care, potentially reducing harm and improving health.
How similar studies have gone: Previous ACM results in primary care showed reduced heavy drinking and higher MAUD uptake, suggesting potential for broader success in similar settings.
Where this research is happening
-
Veterans Health Research Institute of Central New York, INC.
Syracuse, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Scharer, Jacob L — Veterans Health Research Institute of Central New York, INC.
- Study coordinator: Scharer, Jacob L
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.