Investigating the effects of DMT on alcohol use disorder
Official title: The potential therapeutic effects of N, N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) on alcohol use disorder (AUD)
Funded at Yale University · NIH-10904027 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at whether a single dose of a psychedelic called DMT, combined with some therapy, can help people who are having trouble with alcohol use, and it will check how safe and well-tolerated DMT is during the process.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $155,444 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AA030649-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10904027 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with moderate to severe alcohol use disorder who are not currently seeking treatment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not diagnosed with alcohol use disorder or those who are actively seeking treatment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the potential therapeutic effects of N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT), a psychedelic compound, on individuals struggling with alcohol use disorder (AUD). Participants will receive either a single dose of intravenous DMT or a placebo, alongside a brief course of psychotherapy. The study aims to assess changes in alcohol consumption and the overall safety and tolerability of DMT through various monitoring methods. By examining the acute effects of DMT, the research seeks to provide insights into its efficacy as a treatment for AUD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could offer a novel treatment option for individuals with alcohol use disorder, potentially reducing their alcohol consumption and improving their quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary evidence from observational and animal studies suggests that psychedelic compounds like DMT may have therapeutic potential, indicating that this approach is promising but still relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Yale University
New Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bassir Nia, Anahita — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Bassir Nia, Anahita
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
New treatment approach to calm the stress system in alcohol use disorder
A new, first‑in‑class medicine aims to gently calm the body’s stress system to help people with alcohol use disorder drink less and avoid relapse.
-
New treatment for alcohol use disorder targeting stress response
This study is working on a new medication designed to help people with alcohol use disorder by calming down a part of the brain that can cause cravings and relapses, and it will test how well and safely this treatment works.
-
Using a wearable device to reduce stress and anxiety in people with alcohol use disorder
This study is testing a new wearable device that helps reduce stress and anxiety for people dealing with alcohol use disorder by gently stimulating nerves in the skin, and it will check how well it works by looking at both physical markers and how participants feel.
-
Functional Connectivity-Guided TMS for Alcohol Use Disorder
A new approach uses targeted brain stimulation to help people with alcohol use disorder stay abstinent longer by focusing treatment on specific brain circuits.
-
Alcohol Use Disorder and Suicidal Behavior: Finding Why They Occur Together
A study using Swedish population data to understand why alcohol use disorder relates to suicidal thoughts and acts, with the goal of improving risk prediction and prevention.
-
Non-hallucinogenic psilocybin derivative for alcohol use disorder
A new, safer psilocybin-like compound is being studied to help people with alcohol use disorder.
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.