Understanding how stress affects alcohol cravings and consumption

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 research project aims to explore the relationship between stress reactions and alcohol consumption by examining specific brain networks involved in this interaction. Participants with problematic alcohol use will undergo various non-invasive procedures, including brain scans and cognitive tasks, while attempting to regulate their brain activity. The study combines questionnaires about personality and habits with real-time fMRI neurofeedback to gain insights into how neurocognitive processes during stress influence alcohol cravings. The findings could enhance our understanding of the mechanisms linking stress and alcohol use.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 18-65 years
* Presence of 2 to a maximum of 5 criteria for alcohol use disorder according to DSM-5
* no clinical necessity for detoxification treatment
* participants may have a moderate cannabis use disorder and tobacco use disorder
* Capacity for consent and ability to use self-assessment scales
* Sufficient knowledge of German
* Willingness to use a mobile phone with Android operating system

Exclusion Criteria:

* Lifetime diagnosis of bipolar or psychotic disorder or a substance use disorder according to Diagnostical and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - 5 (DSM-5) that is not alcohol, cannabis, or tobacco use disorder
* Current substance use other than cannabis and tobacco
* Current diagnosis of one of the following conditions according to DSM-5: (hypo)manic episode, major depression, generalized anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, borderline personality disorder, or obsessive-compulsive disorder
* History of severe head trauma or other severe central neurological disorders (dementia, Parkinson\'s disease, multiple sclerosis)
* Pregnancy or lactation
* Use of medications known to interact with the central nervous system within the last 10 days; testing at least four half-lives after the last dose
* Exercising the prerogative of the \"Right not to know\" in the context of incidental findings during an examination or investigation

Where it's running

• Central Institute of Mental Health - Department of Clinical Psychology
  Mannheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Martin F Gerchen, PhD — Central Institute of Mental Health
• Study coordinator: Nina J Kempf, M. Sc.
• Email: nina.kempf@zi-mannheim.de
• Phone: + 49/621-1703

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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.