Multisensory Cues and Craving in Young Adult Binge Drinkers
Official title: Multisensory Processing of Alcohol Cues in Young Adult Binge Drinkers
Run by Rochester Institute of Technology · NCT06885190 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests how young adults who binge drink respond to alcohol-related cues using visual cues alone and combined senses (sight, touch, and smell) to see how neural responses relate to craving.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 25 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Rochester Institute of Technology Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Rochester, New York) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | July 31, 2026 |
| Main results expected | August 15, 2027 |
| Study ends | August 15, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | October 27, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06885190 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are 18–25-year-olds who meet binge or social drinking criteria and have no major neurological, psychiatric, or substance use disorder exclusions.
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals with recent illicit drug use, psychiatric disorders, or a history of alcohol use disorder may be less likely to benefit or may be excluded.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Young adults who binge drink will be asked to participate in two in-person lab sessions where they view alcohol-related and neutral cues presented in different sensory modes. The study compares brain responses to cues shown on a screen with responses to cues delivered through multiple senses, using EEG/ERP measures and questionnaires about health and recent substance use. Researchers will analyze behavioral reactions and neural activity to determine if multisensory cues elicit stronger responses or craving signals than visual cues alone. The goal is to better understand cue processing to inform interventions for reducing risky drinking behaviors. Participation is limited to individuals aged 18–25 who meet binge or social drinking criteria and do not have major exclusions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could inform personalized interventions that address multisensory cues to reduce craving and risky drinking.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research using cues has shown neural and behavioral responses related to craving, with multisensory cues offering richer data, though results vary by modality and population.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * ages 18 to 25 years old * meet criteria for either the binge drinker or social drinker groups previously described Exclusion Criteria: * history of head injury involving loss of consciousness of 10+ minutes * colorblindness * hearing, tactile, olfactory or uncorrected vision deficits * history of seizures * neurological disorder diagnosis * mental health history of psychosis or mania * history of alcohol or substance use disorder diagnosis * illicit drug use in the past 30 days * changes to psychotropic medication type or dose in past 3 months
Where it's running
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Rochester Institute of Technology
Rochester, New York, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Rebecca J Houston, PhD — Rochester Institute of Technology
- Study coordinator: Rebecca J Houston, PhD
- Email: rjhgss@rit.edu
- Phone: 585-475-5205
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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.