Understanding what drives alcohol use disorder and building a patient-friendly test
Official title: Measurement and Multimethod Validation of Alcohol Use Disorder Etiologic Mechanisms
Funded at University of New Mexico · NIH-11408718 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A researcher at a major university is studying the underlying mechanisms of alcohol use disorder to create a practical test that could guide personalized treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of New Mexico NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Albuquerque, United States) |
| Project start | August 10, 2022 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $203,503 |
| NIH project number | 5K08AA030301-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11408718 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with alcohol use disorder or related affective disorders who participate in clinical assessments and related research.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals not willing to participate in assessments or tests, or those without access to settings that implement the new CAT tool, may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to move beyond general descriptions of AUD by testing models of its causes and developing a computer-based adaptive assessment. It plans to use patient input and existing frameworks to identify key etiologic domains and to build a reliable measure that can tailor treatment ideas to individuals. The work emphasizes community involvement and modern cognitive testing methods to ensure the tool is useful in real-world care settings. If successful, the project could help clinicians pinpoint which mechanisms drive a person’s AUD and choose more effective, personalized interventions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could receive more targeted treatments based on their specific AUD mechanisms.
How similar studies have gone: Previous efforts in etiologic frameworks like ANA/AARDoC show promise, but need refinement and validation; this project adds a validated CAT-based approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Boness, Cassandra Lee — University of New Mexico
- Study coordinator: Boness, Cassandra Lee
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
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.
-
Identifying brain proteins linked to PTSD and alcohol use disorder
Researchers are studying brain proteins that may contribute to PTSD and alcohol use disorder in US veterans to find new ways to help people who struggle with both conditions.
-
Mu and Kappa Opioid Balance in Alcohol Use Disorder
A study using brain imaging to understand how the brain’s opioid system changes during early sobriety in adults with alcohol use disorder.
-
Telehealth support to prevent suicide in people with alcohol use disorder in Tanzania
A telehealth counseling program is being adapted to help reduce suicide risk for people with alcohol use disorder in emergency departments in Tanzania.
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.