Understanding how brain activity influences alcohol consumption decisions

Using Neuroeconomics to Characterize State-Based Increases and Decreases in Alcohol Value

NIH-funded research University of Kansas Lawrence · NIH-10676221

This study looks at how your brain thinks about the value of alcohol and how that affects your choices about drinking, using brain scans to see how different feelings and surroundings influence those decisions, all to help improve treatment for alcohol use disorder.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Kansas Lawrence NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Lawrence, United States)
Project IDNIH-10676221 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how the brain processes the value of alcohol and how this influences decision-making related to alcohol consumption. By using neuroeconomic methods, the study examines how internal and external factors, such as environmental cues and emotional states, affect individuals' preferences for alcohol. Participants will undergo functional MRI scans while being exposed to various cues to observe changes in brain activity linked to their alcohol-related decisions. The goal is to better understand the neural mechanisms behind alcohol use disorder and improve treatment strategies.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who experience issues with alcohol consumption or have alcohol use disorder.

Not a fit: Patients who do not consume alcohol or are not affected by alcohol use disorder may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective interventions for individuals struggling with alcohol use disorder.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research using neuroeconomic approaches has shown promise in understanding decision-making processes related to substance use, suggesting potential for success in this area.

Where this research is happening

Lawrence, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.