Impact of COVID-19 on Alcohol Use and Related Issues
Official title: COVID-19 Pandemic Impact on Alcohol (PIA) - A Natural History Study
Run by National Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC) · NCT04391816 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking to see how the COVID-19 pandemic has changed drinking habits and related issues for people, especially those with alcohol use problems, over a couple of years.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 100 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 1500 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | National Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC) NIH |
| Locations | 1 site (Bethesda, Maryland) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 3, 2020 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2026 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | June 24, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT04391816 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates include individuals who have previously enrolled in the NIAAA Natural History Protocol and are willing to participate in regular surveys about their alcohol use and stress.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who are uncooperative or unable to provide consent via telephone may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to assess how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected alcohol consumption and related problems among individuals, including those with alcohol use disorder. Participants will complete a baseline survey by phone, covering their alcohol use and stress levels before and during the pandemic. The study will track changes over a 2-3 year period to understand the long-term effects of the pandemic on alcohol-related behaviors and mental health. The research will also explore the relationships between negative life events, social isolation, and alcohol use.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into the mental health impacts of the pandemic on alcohol use, potentially guiding interventions and support for affected individuals.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific focus on COVID-19's impact on alcohol use is relatively novel, similar studies have successfully examined the effects of societal stressors on alcohol consumption.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
* INCLUSION CRITERIA: In order to be eligible to participate in this study, an individual must meet all of the following criteria: 1. Participants who have enrolled in the NIAAA Natural History Protocol (14-AA-0181) and completed screening and phenotyping assessments. 2. Willing and able to complete frequent (weekly to monthly) surveys either online or by phone. EXCLUSION CRITERIA: As this is a natural history protocol, there are no formal exclusionary criteria for this study. Participants who are determined by the interviewer to be uncooperative or unable to provide consent via telephone will not be enrolled into the study.
Where it's running
-
NIAAA Section on Human Psychopharmacology
Bethesda, Maryland, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Vijay A Ramchandani, Ph.D. — National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
- Study coordinator: Vijay A Ramchandani, Ph.D.
- Email: vijayr@mail.nih.gov
- Phone: (301) 402-8527
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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.