Examining the effects of exercise on alcohol cravings in heavy drinkers
The Effect of an Acute Exercise Intervention on Alcohol Craving and Alcohol Seeking Behaviors Among Heavy Social Drinkers
NA · Western University, Canada · NCT05955911
This study is testing if mild exercise like walking can help heavy drinkers feel less craving for alcohol compared to doing a fun activity like coloring.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 70 (estimated) |
| Ages | 19 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Western University, Canada (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (London, Ontario) |
| Trial ID | NCT05955911 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial investigates whether mild-to-moderate intensity exercise, such as walking on a treadmill, can effectively reduce alcohol cravings in heavy social drinkers compared to a distraction activity like coloring. Participants will undergo baseline assessments before being randomly assigned to either the exercise or distraction group. After consuming a low-dose alcohol beverage to induce cravings, participants will engage in their assigned activity and subsequently report on their cravings and consumption of an alcohol-placebo beverage. The study aims to provide insights into the potential benefits of exercise as a coping strategy for alcohol cravings.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are heavy social alcohol drinkers who consume between 10-40 standard alcoholic beverages per week.
Not a fit: Patients with a current moderate or severe alcohol use disorder or other significant psychiatric conditions may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could offer a non-pharmacological approach to help heavy drinkers manage their alcohol cravings.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of combining exercise with alcohol craving reduction is novel, previous studies have shown that exercise can have positive effects on mood and cravings in various contexts.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Heavy social alcohol drinkers (i.e., alcohol drinkers who consume 10-40 standard alcohol beverages per week and participate in 1-5 binge drinking episodes \[consume 4+/5+ drinks in a sitting for women/men, respectively\]) per week. Exclusion Criteria: * Meets DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for a current moderate or severe alcohol use disorder * Meets DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for a current Moderate or Severe cannabis use disorder * Endorses daily smoking of tobacco * Endorses having a current DSM-5 psychiatric disorder * Endorses having any medical conditions that may interfere with the exercise condition (e.g., knee-replacement, sprained ankle, etc.) * Has a current level of physical activity that exceeds 20 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per day * Endorses illicit substance use (i.e., use of illicit substances x\>2 times in the past year) * Has self-reported allergies to pineapple juice, cranberry juice, orange juice, \&/or tonic water * Individuals not proficient in reading, writing, or speaking in English * Women who are trying to conceive or who are pregnant * Women who are currently breastfeeding
Where this trial is running
London, Ontario
- Western University — London, Ontario, Canada (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jesus Chavarria, Ph.D. — Western University
- Study coordinator: Jeus Chavarria, Ph.D.
- Email: jchavarr@uwo.ca
- Phone: 519-661-2111
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.
Conditions: Alcohol-Related Disorders, Alcohol, Exercise, Heavy Drinkers, Alcohol Craving