Investigating how Pavlovian mechanisms influence substance use behaviors

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

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.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

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 it's running

• Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Technische Universität Dresden
  Dresden, Germany Recruiting

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.