Using pregnenolone to help treat alcohol use disorder

Pregnenolone for the Treatment of Alcohol Use Disorder

['FUNDING_R01'] · YALE UNIVERSITY · NIH-10894267

This study is looking at whether pregnenolone can help people with Alcohol Use Disorder by reducing their cravings and drinking, and it involves 150 participants who will either get pregnenolone or a placebo over 12 weeks.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorYALE UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (NEW HAVEN, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10894267 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the use of pregnenolone, a neuroactive steroid, as a potential treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). The study will involve a 12-week double-blind, randomized clinical trial with 150 participants, where half will receive pregnenolone and the other half a placebo. The goal is to assess the safety, tolerability, and effectiveness of pregnenolone in reducing alcohol cravings and consumption. Participants will be monitored for changes in their drinking behavior and related stress responses throughout the trial.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults diagnosed with Alcohol Use Disorder who are seeking treatment.

Not a fit: 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.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new treatment option that helps reduce alcohol cravings and improve outcomes for individuals with Alcohol Use Disorder.

How similar studies have performed: Previous pilot studies have shown promising results with pregnenolone in reducing alcohol cravings and consumption, indicating potential for success in this larger trial.

Where this research is happening

NEW HAVEN, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.