Do beverage cues drive craving in adults with AUD

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This randomized, double-blind, within-subjects crossover study compares two test beverage cues to see how they affect craving and liking in people with mild or greater AUD. Each participant completes two sessions about a week apart, with one session featuring a target beverage cue and the other a visually matched non-alcoholic cue. Participants undergo cue reactivity trials, rate craving and liking, and remain blinded to which beverage they are exposed to. The study uses breath tests, questionnaires, and standardized evaluations to characterize cue-driven responses.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 21-70 years.
* Current AUD (mild or greater severity on the SCID-5).
* Regular drinkers (at least one drink in past week as identified in TLFB) able to identify a preferred alcoholic beverage (e.g., beer, wine, spirits, or mixed) for which a visually matched non-alcoholic alternative exists and can be sourced .
* Willing to abstain from alcohol for ≥12 hours prior to each session and arrive with BrAC = 0.000% at visit 1 and ≤ 0.020% at visit 2. BrAC will be collected immediately after the participant signs the consent form at visit 1.

Exclusion Criteria:

* CIWA-Ar ≥10 which suggests clinically meaningful withdrawal.
* Pregnancy, nursing, or planning pregnancy.
* Medical contraindications to any alcohol exposure (e.g., liver disease, unstable cardiovascular condition).
* Current use of medications that strongly affect craving or alcohol consumption (e.g., naltrexone, acamprosate, disulfiram).
* Severe psychiatric illness or symptoms (e.g., bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, active suicidal ideation) that would interfere with procedures.

Where it's running

• Univeristy of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
  Dallas, Texas, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Paola R Sparagana, BS
• Email: paola.sparagana@utsouthwestern.edu
• Phone: 214-645-6950

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.