Understanding how alcohol affects cortisol levels in the brain and body

Characterizing brain-periphery cortisol dysregulation in AUD

['FUNDING_R01'] · YALE UNIVERSITY · NIH-10977472

This study is looking at how alcohol use affects stress hormones in the brain and body, and it's for people who have alcohol use disorder, helping us understand how this condition changes the way our body handles stress.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorYALE UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (NEW HAVEN, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10977472 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the relationship between cortisol levels in the brain and the body in individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD). It aims to understand how chronic alcohol consumption alters the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which is responsible for stress hormone regulation. By examining both brain and peripheral cortisol levels, the study seeks to fill a significant gap in current knowledge about HPA dysfunction in AUD. Participants may undergo assessments that involve measuring hormone levels and brain imaging to explore these relationships.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with alcohol use disorder who are willing to participate in hormone level assessments and brain imaging.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have alcohol use disorder or those who are not currently consuming alcohol may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment strategies for individuals struggling with alcohol dependence.

How similar studies have performed: While there has been some research on cortisol levels in relation to alcohol use, this study's focus on brain cortisol is relatively novel and untested in humans.

Where this research is happening

NEW HAVEN, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.