How stress affects decision-making in people with alcohol use disorder
Official title: The effects of stress on decision-making in alcohol use disorder: A translational approach
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-10809031 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how stress affects decision-making in people with alcohol use problems compared to those without, using brain scans to see how stress changes the way we think and make choices about drinking.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | March 15, 2023 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $224,250 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AA030643-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10809031 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 18 and older who have been diagnosed with alcohol use disorder and are not currently seeking treatment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have alcohol use disorder or those who are actively seeking treatment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how acute stress impacts decision-making abilities in individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD) compared to those without. Participants will undergo stress-induction tasks while their brain activity is monitored using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). The study aims to understand the relationship between stress and cognitive processes like flexibility and habit learning, which are crucial for making decisions about alcohol use. By analyzing these effects, the research seeks to uncover underlying brain mechanisms that could inform treatment strategies for AUD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment approaches for individuals struggling with alcohol use disorder by enhancing our understanding of how stress influences their decision-making.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the effects of stress on decision-making in various populations, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ray, Lara a. — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Ray, Lara a.
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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.