Understanding how emotional processing changes during recovery from alcohol use disorder

Social cognition in AUD recovery: Understanding trajectories, consequences, and mechanisms of change for deficits in emotion processing

NIH-funded research University of Florida · NIH-10942710

This study is looking at how people recovering from Alcohol Use Disorder can get better at recognizing and understanding emotions during the first few months of sobriety, and it’s designed for those in treatment to help improve their recovery experience.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Florida NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Gainesville, United States)
Project IDNIH-10942710 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how individuals recovering from Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) improve their ability to recognize and interpret emotions during early abstinence. By assessing participants over a three-month period in a residential treatment setting, the study aims to identify changes in emotional processing and the cognitive mechanisms that support these changes. Participants will undergo various assessments, including computerized tasks to evaluate their emotional and cognitive functions, while also tracking their treatment adherence and recovery outcomes. The findings could provide valuable insights into enhancing treatment strategies for those with AUD.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are recently abstinent from alcohol and are currently undergoing residential treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder.

Not a fit: Patients who are not currently in treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder or those who have not recently abstained from alcohol may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment approaches that enhance emotional processing skills in individuals recovering from AUD, potentially reducing relapse rates.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that interventions targeting emotional processing can be beneficial for individuals with substance use disorders, suggesting that this approach may yield positive outcomes.

Where this research is happening

Gainesville, 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 2026-06-13 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.