Brain Changes During Early Recovery from Alcohol Use Disorder
Neural Signature Changes Across Early Abstinence in Alcohol Use Disorder
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER · NIH-11177073
This project explores how the brain changes in people with Alcohol Use Disorder during their first weeks of recovery.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11177073 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project aims to understand how the brain recovers when someone stops drinking alcohol, specifically looking at areas involved in emotion regulation and alcohol cravings. Researchers will use brain imaging (fMRI) to see these changes in 150 patients undergoing residential treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder. They will scan participants shortly after admission and again later in treatment. The goal is to see if these brain changes can help predict who might return to heavy drinking.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 21 and older with Alcohol Use Disorder who are entering residential treatment.
Not a fit: Patients not seeking residential treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder or those under 21 years old would not directly benefit from participation in this specific project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help identify new ways to support individuals in recovery and prevent relapse.
How similar studies have performed: While previous work shows brain differences in Alcohol Use Disorder, this specific approach of tracking brain changes during early residential abstinence to predict relapse risk is a novel focus.
Where this research is happening
Aurora, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER — Aurora, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: GOWIN, JOSHUA LEIGH — UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER
- Study coordinator: GOWIN, JOSHUA LEIGH
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 below.