Understanding how persistent thoughts about alcohol affect drinking behavior
Official title: Investigating neural and behavioral indications of persistent alcohol-related thoughts
Funded at Yale University · NIH-11070583 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how people with alcohol use disorder and those who drink heavily think about alcohol and how it affects their cravings and choices, with the hope of finding better ways to help them manage their drinking.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $42,574 |
| NIH project number | 1F31AA032179-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11070583 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with alcohol use disorder or those who engage in risky drinking behaviors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not consume alcohol or have no history of alcohol-related issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the neural and behavioral aspects of how individuals with alcohol use disorder and risky drinkers process alcohol-related thoughts. By analyzing existing brain imaging data and conducting new behavioral tasks, the study aims to identify the cognitive markers that contribute to persistent cravings and memories associated with alcohol. The goal is to understand how these persistent thoughts influence future drinking decisions, which could lead to better interventions for those struggling with alcohol use. Patients may be asked to participate in tasks that assess their responses to alcohol-related stimuli.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for reducing alcohol cravings and preventing relapse in individuals with alcohol use disorder.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the neural mechanisms of alcohol cravings, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Yale University
New Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ye, Jean — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Ye, Jean
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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.