Investigating how Pavlovian mechanisms influence substance use behaviors
SFB TRR 265: Losing and Regaining Control Over Drug Intake Work Package 1 of Project B03: General and Specific Pavlovian-to-Instrumental Transfer Effects in a Range of Substance Use Disorders
This study is testing how certain learned responses might affect substance use behaviors in people with moderate to severe substance use disorders compared to healthy individuals.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 200 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Technische Universität Dresden Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Dresden) |
| Trial ID | NCT06701487 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to explore the role of Pavlovian-to-instrumental transfer (PIT) mechanisms in individuals with moderate to severe substance use disorders, including alcohol, cannabis, methamphetamine, amphetamine, and cocaine. Using a newly developed full PIT task and fMRI imaging, the researchers will compare behavioral and neural responses between patients and healthy controls. The study will assess both general and specific PIT effects, with a focus on understanding how these mechanisms may predict substance use over time.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include men and women aged 18-65 who meet the criteria for alcohol use disorder or other specified substance use disorders.
Not a fit: Patients with a lifetime diagnosis of bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or major depressive disorder may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment strategies for individuals struggling with substance use disorders.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of this study is novel, previous research has indicated the relevance of Pavlovian mechanisms in substance use behaviors.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Men and women between 18-65 years of age, * AUD, and/or SUD subjects only: meet 4 or more criteria for DSM-5 alcohol-related and/or substance-related (cannabis, amphetamine, methamphetamine or cocaine disorder (not requiring withdrawal as assessed by an independent psychiatrist), * Currently using alcohol without a desire for abstinence * Ability to consent to the study and complete the questionnaires. * Sufficient language(German) and motor skills for using PC * existing health insurance Exclusion Criteria: * Lifetime diagnosis of DSM-5 bipolar disorder or schizophrenia or schizophrenia spectrum disorder (if induced by drugs, it should happen more than a month ago) * Current threshold DSM-5 diagnosis of major depressive disorder, or presence of suicidal intention * High risk (≤ 26) ASSIST scores in other substances other than alcohol, amphetamine, methamphetamine, cannabis, cocaine, tobacco * History of traumatic brain injury or severe neurological disease (such as Dementia, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, Epilepsy, Meningitis, Stroke) * Pregnancy or breastfeeding, * Ingestion of medications known to interact with the dopamine system in the 10-day period prior to study participation or less than 4 half-lives after last ingestion (rapid urine test); A detailed list of permitted medication can be added upon request * MR contraindications (e.g., pacemakers, metallic or electronic implants, metallic splinters, surgical staples) * Color vision deficiency * sensorineural hearing loss of 30 dB or greater, * Tinnitus and * Acute alcohol, substance (cannabis, or methamphetamine, amphetamine, cocaine) intoxication at assessement day verified by breath alcohol tests and drug intoxication verified by rapid urine test.
Where this trial is running
Dresden
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Technische Universität Dresden — Dresden, Germany (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.