Using medications in the emergency department to help people with alcohol use disorder
Official title: Emergency Department-Initiated Medications for Alcohol Use Disorder
Funded at Yale University · NIH-10938670 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at whether giving medications like naltrexone and gabapentin to people with alcohol use disorder when they come to the emergency room can help them do better in the long run compared to those who just get regular care.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $167,053 |
| NIH project number | 3R01AA030568-02S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10938670 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who present to the emergency department with alcohol use disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have alcohol use disorder or those who are not seeking treatment for their alcohol consumption may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effectiveness of initiating treatment with medications like naltrexone and gabapentin for patients with alcohol use disorder who visit the emergency department. Patients will be randomly assigned to either receive these medications during their emergency visit or to receive standard care. The study aims to track and compare the outcomes of both groups to determine if starting treatment in the emergency setting leads to better long-term results. The research will also involve creating a compliant database to monitor the study's progress and ensure participant safety.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new approach to treating alcohol use disorder that begins in the emergency department, potentially improving recovery outcomes for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in using medications for alcohol use disorder, but this specific approach of initiating treatment in the emergency department is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Yale University
New Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hawk, Kathryn — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Hawk, Kathryn
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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.