Understanding what motivates people to drink alcohol
Translational underpinnings of motivation for alcohol in humans
This study is looking at why people with alcohol use disorder feel motivated to drink, and it involves fun tasks where participants can earn small amounts of alcohol to help researchers understand their behavior better, which could lead to better treatments for those struggling with this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11143305 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the underlying motivations for alcohol consumption in humans, particularly focusing on alcohol use disorder (AUD). By using a combination of alcohol challenges and self-administration tasks, the study aims to create a model that reflects how motivation for alcohol can be measured and understood. Participants will engage in tasks where they can earn alcohol infusions, allowing researchers to observe their behavior and motivations in a controlled setting. The findings could help bridge the gap between basic research and clinical applications for treating AUD.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have a history of alcohol use disorder or heavy drinking behaviors.
Not a fit: Patients who do not consume alcohol or have no history of alcohol use disorder may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies for individuals struggling with alcohol use disorder.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using similar methodologies to understand alcohol motivation, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, United States
- University of California Los Angeles — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ray, Lara a. — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Ray, Lara a.
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 below.