Exploring how context influences the desire for alcohol in the brain
Understanding the neural markers of incentive salience for alcohol: the role of context in brain-behavior relationships
['FUNDING_CAREER'] · UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON · NIH-11031607
This study is looking at how young adults who drink heavily react to alcohol-related triggers in different situations, using brain scans to see how their brains respond, so we can better understand their drinking habits in real life.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_CAREER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SEATTLE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11031607 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research investigates how the brain's response to alcohol-related cues, known as incentive salience, is affected by the context in which these cues are encountered. By using advanced neuroimaging techniques like fMRI and EEG, the study aims to understand the relationship between brain activity and alcohol consumption behaviors in real-world settings. The research will involve young adult heavy drinkers, who will participate in both laboratory and ambulatory assessments to capture their responses to alcohol cues in various environments. This approach seeks to bridge the gap between controlled laboratory findings and everyday alcohol use.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are young adult heavy drinkers who are experiencing challenges related to alcohol consumption.
Not a fit: Patients who do not consume alcohol or have mild alcohol use issues may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved interventions for individuals struggling with alcohol use disorder by providing insights into how environmental factors influence drinking behavior.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the neural mechanisms of addiction, but this specific focus on context and incentive salience is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
SEATTLE, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON — SEATTLE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: KANG, DAHYEON — UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON
- Study coordinator: KANG, DAHYEON
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.
Conditions: addictive disorder