Emergency department-initiated medicines for alcohol use disorder
Official title: Emergency Department-Initiated Medications for Alcohol Use Disorder
Funded at Yale University · NIH-11408751 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study in ED patients with moderate to severe alcohol use disorder tests whether adding ED-initiated medications to SBIRT improves engagement in ongoing treatment after the ED visit.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $714,277 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AA030568-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11408751 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with moderate to severe alcohol use disorder who visit the ED and are willing to pursue continuation treatment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with mild or no AUD or those unwilling to engage in ED-initiated medications may not benefit from this approach.
What this research studies
In patients visiting the emergency department for alcohol-related or other health problems, this study compares two approaches: SBIRT alone versus SBIRT plus ED-initiated medications (gabapentin and extended-release or oral naltrexone). The trial will enroll 240 participants and randomize them to the two strategies, with the goal of linking patients to ongoing treatment for alcohol use disorder after discharge. Researchers will measure whether the ED-initiated pharmacotherapy increases initiation and engagement in longer-term AUD care. This is an open-label design, meaning participants and clinicians know which approach is being used. If successful, this could redefine how EDs support patients with AUD in starting effective, longer-term treatment right from the visit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could start medication-assisted treatment for alcohol use disorder in the ED and improve their chances of ongoing recovery.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies show pharmacotherapy can help with AUD in general, but effectiveness specifically in ED-initiated settings is less established.
Where this research is happening
-
Yale University
New Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hawk, Kathryn — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Hawk, Kathryn
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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.