How low doses of alcohol affect decision making and brain function
Official title: The effects of low-dose ethanol on reward-value decision making and the basolateral amygdala
Funded at Drexel University · NIH-10919178 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how small amounts of alcohol affect decision-making and brain activity, especially in areas that help us understand rewards, and it aims to find out how these effects might differ between male and female animals, which could help us understand why some people move from casual drinking to drinking problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Drexel University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $48,974 |
| NIH project number | 5F31AA031439-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10919178 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would be individuals who consume alcohol at low doses and are interested in understanding its effects on behavior and decision-making.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not consume alcohol or those with severe alcohol use disorder may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how low doses of ethanol influence decision-making processes and brain activity, particularly focusing on the basolateral amygdala, a region involved in reward processing. The study aims to understand the behavioral and neurobiological effects of chronic low-dose alcohol consumption, especially how it alters the ability to assess and update the value of rewards. By using animal models, the researchers will explore differences in response to alcohol between male and female subjects, which may provide insights into the transition from casual drinking to alcohol use disorder.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and treatment strategies for individuals struggling with alcohol-related issues.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that low-dose alcohol can affect brain function and behavior, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Drexel University
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Curran-Alfaro, Christina — Drexel University
- Study coordinator: Curran-Alfaro, Christina
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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.