Investigating how sex differences affect alcohol sensitivity and tolerance mechanisms

Exploring Potential Sex Differences In Neurobiological Mechanisms of Alcohol Sensitivity and Tolerance

NIH-funded research University of California, San Diego · NIH-10798318

This study is looking at how men and women react differently to alcohol and how those reactions might help predict future drinking problems, using brain scans to see how their brains respond to alcohol in a safe environment.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California, San Diego NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (La Jolla, United States)
Project IDNIH-10798318 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research explores how sensitivity to alcohol varies between sexes and how this sensitivity may predict future alcohol-related issues. By utilizing advanced neuroimaging techniques, the study examines the functional connectivity of brain regions involved in alcohol response, particularly focusing on the prefrontal cortex and the stress response system. The research includes analyzing existing data and conducting new trials to understand the relationship between alcohol sensitivity, tolerance, and sex differences. Patients may be involved in trials that assess their brain responses to alcohol in a controlled setting.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation include individuals in emerging adulthood who have varying levels of alcohol sensitivity and are interested in understanding their alcohol use patterns.

Not a fit: Patients who do not consume alcohol or have no interest in alcohol-related issues may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more personalized treatment approaches for alcohol use disorders based on individual sensitivity and sex differences.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding alcohol sensitivity and its implications, but this specific approach focusing on sex differences is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

La Jolla, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions ethanol use disorderalcohol use disorder
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.