How a substance affects brain activity and smoking urges in young nondaily smokers
Official title: An MRI Study of Neural Activity Following Exposure to a Specific Substance in Young Cigarette Smokers
Run by Oregon Health and Science University · NCT04281979 · Data updated 2026-11-12
The study will test whether giving a specific substance changes brain activity, cigarette/e-cigarette craving, and impulsive choices in young adults who smoke on some days.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 21 Years to 40 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Oregon Health and Science University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Portland, Oregon) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 25, 2020 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2025 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2025 |
| Registry record updated | July 28, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT04281979 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Young adults aged 21–40 who are right‑handed, fluent in English, smoke cigarettes or e‑cigarettes on 1–27 days in the past month, have had at least one binge‑drinking episode in the past 90 days, and do not have current substance use disorders or MRI contraindications.
✕Probably not a fit
People with daily heavy smoking or moderate-to-severe nicotine dependence, current alcohol use disorder, frequent illicit drug use (beyond limited marijuana), pregnancy, or other MRI contraindications are unlikely to be eligible and would not benefit from participation.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Researchers will give participants either a study substance or a placebo and use functional MRI to measure substance-induced changes in brain activity. The trial enrolls right‑handed, English‑speaking young adults who smoke cigarettes or e‑cigarettes on 1–27 days per month and have had at least one recent binge‑drinking episode. During visits they will measure craving, impulsive choice, and craving regulation, then relate those measures to brain responses. Participants will be followed for one year to see how these brain and behavioral measures predict future cigarette use.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to targeted ways to help young nondaily smokers reduce or quit before smoking becomes lifelong.
How similar studies have gone: Previous fMRI and pharmacological challenge studies have linked brain responses to craving and impulsivity in smokers, but applying this approach specifically to nondaily young smokers with one‑year follow‑up is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Participants must be 21-40 years old * Right-handed * Fluent in English * Report smoking cigarettes or e-cigarettes 1-27 days in the past month * Report binge drinking based on NIAAA criteria (5 or more drinks per occasion for males, 4 or more drinks per occasion for females) at least 1 time in the past 90 days without adverse incident Exclusion Criteria: * Seeking treatment for substance use (e.g. nicotine or alcohol use) * Moderate or Severe Nicotine Dependence * Current alcohol use disorder * Illicit substance use other than marijuana use in the past year * Marijuana use more than 10 times in the past year * Major neurological or medical illness - Significant head trauma - Current use of medication affecting the central nervous system * MRI contraindications (e.g. irremovable metal on the body or pregnancy)
Where it's running
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Oregon Health and Science University
Portland, Oregon, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Angelica M Morales, PhD
- Email: moralean@ohsu.edu
- Phone: 503-494-4221
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.