Effects of Methylphenidate on Alcohol Cue Responses
Methylphenidate and Response to Alcohol Cues (MARA) Pilot Study
This study is testing if a single dose of a medication for ADHD can help young adults with both Alcohol Use Disorder and ADHD feel less craving for alcohol when they see reminders of it.
Quick facts
| Phase | Early Phase 1 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 25 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Florida Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Gainesville, Florida) |
| Trial ID | NCT06063200 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates how a single dose of methylphenidate, a medication commonly used to treat ADHD, influences attention and craving responses to alcohol cues in young adults with both Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) and ADHD. Participants will undergo one remote session and two in-person sessions where they will receive either methylphenidate or a placebo, and their responses will be measured using fMRI, EEG, and behavioral tests. The goal is to determine if enhancing attention can reduce cravings and attentional bias towards alcohol cues, potentially offering new insights into treatment strategies for individuals with these co-occurring conditions.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-25 who meet the DSM-5 criteria for both Alcohol Use Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
Not a fit: Patients with bipolar disorder, psychotic disorders, or other significant neurological conditions are unlikely to benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved treatment options for young adults struggling with both alcohol use disorder and attention deficits.
How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using methylphenidate in this context is novel, previous studies have shown that enhancing attention can reduce cravings in other substance use contexts.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adults ages 18-25 years * Meets DSM-5 criteria for AUD * Meets DSM-5 criteria for ADHD * Fluent in English * Normal or corrected to normal vision Exclusion Criteria: * Meets DSM-5 criteria for bipolar disorder, psychotic disorders, neurological disorders, or substance use disorders other than AUD. * Participant routinely uses psychoactive drugs or medications except for non-dependent marijuana or nicotine use (due to common use of these substances in individuals with AUD). * Participant has contraindications for taking methylphenidate. * Participant has contraindications for being in an MRI machine * Self-reported history of high blood pressure over 140/90 or consistent readings of 140/90 or above upon arrival for a session. * History of seizure disorder * Liver disease * Participant is currently pregnant or trying to become pregnant
Where this trial is running
Gainesville, Florida
- University of Florida — Gainesville, Florida, United States (Recruiting)
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.