Exploring how alcohol affects social interactions in the brain
Alcohol and the Social Brain: an Alcohol-Administration Hyperscanning Study
This study tests how drinking alcohol affects social interactions and stress responses in young adults aged 21-30 while they engage with a stranger.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 240 (estimated) |
| Ages | 21 Years to 30 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Champaign, Illinois) |
| Trial ID | NCT06687525 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study investigates the brain mechanisms involved in alcohol's rewarding effects during social interactions. By using EEG hyperscanning methods, the researchers will examine how alcohol consumption influences social engagement and stress responses among regular drinkers aged 21-30. Participants will be randomly assigned to consume either alcohol or a control beverage while engaging in various tasks with a stranger. The study aims to bridge the gap between laboratory findings and real-world alcohol consumption behaviors.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are regular alcohol consumers aged 21-30 without a history of severe alcohol use disorder.
Not a fit: Patients with a history of severe alcohol use disorder or those who have adverse reactions to alcohol may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance understanding of the social factors contributing to alcohol use disorder and inform targeted interventions.
How similar studies have performed: While studies have explored alcohol's effects in isolation, this approach of examining it in social contexts is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Between the ages of 21 and 30 * Regularly consumes alcohol Exclusion Criteria: * History of adverse reaction to the amount of beverage employed in the study * Have a history of major problems associated with alcohol * Take medications that could adversely interact with alcohol * Have medical conditions that contraindicate alcohol administration * Individuals with a history of skull fractures or who indicate discomfort with EEG procedures used * Female participant is pregnant or trying to become pregnant
Where this trial is running
Champaign, Illinois
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign — Champaign, Illinois, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Catharine E Fairbairn, Ph.D. — University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Study coordinator: Catharine E Fairbairn, Ph.D.
- Email: cfairbai@illlinois.edu
- Phone: 217 300 5850
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.