How cannabis use affects alcohol craving and drinking during treatment
Effect of Cannabis Use on Alcohol Craving and Consumption among those in Alcohol Treatment
['FUNDING_R01'] · BROWN UNIVERSITY · NIH-11123167
Researchers will follow people in alcohol treatment and find out whether using cannabis changes their alcohol craving and how much they drink.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | BROWN UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PROVIDENCE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11123167 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If you are starting alcohol treatment, the team will follow you closely during the first year to track when you use cannabis and how your alcohol craving and drinking change. They will use frequent short surveys and wearable alcohol biosensors to capture real-world drinking and momentary craving. Analyses will look at patterns within each person (day-to-day) and between people to test whether cannabis replaces alcohol or makes drinking worse. The study will also consider factors like how often you use cannabis, whether you use both substances at the same time, and individual impulsivity.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults who are starting or are early in alcohol treatment and who sometimes or regularly use cannabis are the ideal candidates for this work.
Not a fit: People who never use cannabis or who are not in alcohol treatment would not be directly helped by this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could help treatment programs give clearer guidance about cannabis use during recovery and tailor support for people at higher risk of relapse.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research in people not engaged in treatment has shown mixed results, and using intensive momentary measurement in treatment-seeking patients is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
PROVIDENCE, UNITED STATES
- BROWN UNIVERSITY — PROVIDENCE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: GUNN, RACHEL LYN — BROWN UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: GUNN, RACHEL LYN
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.