Understanding how stress influences alcohol consumption decisions

Stress-motivated Alcohol Use as a Value-based Decision-making Process

Not applicable Interventional University of Washington · NCT06264791

This study is testing how stress affects regular drinkers' choices between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks to see if stress makes them more likely to choose alcohol.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment160 (estimated)
Ages21 Years to 50 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Washington Academic / other
Locations1 site (Seattle, Washington)
Trial IDNCT06264791 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This experimental study aims to investigate the impact of psychological stress on the decision-making process regarding alcohol consumption among regular drinkers. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of four conditions involving stress and alcohol consumption, and will complete a value-based decision-making task before and after these manipulations. The study seeks to determine whether stress increases the likelihood of choosing alcoholic drinks over non-alcoholic ones and how alcohol intoxication may modulate this effect.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are regular drinkers who consume alcohol at least once a week and meet specific drinking criteria.

Not a fit: Patients who are currently pregnant, have anxiety disorders, or have a history of alcohol use treatment may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into how stress influences alcohol consumption, potentially leading to better interventions for individuals struggling with alcohol use.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of this study may be novel, previous research has explored the relationship between stress and alcohol consumption, indicating potential for meaningful findings.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Drinking alcohol at least once a week
* Consuming 4 (female) or 5 (male) drinks in one occasion at least once a month

Exclusion Criteria:

* Currently pregnant or trying to become pregnant
* Past or current diagnosis of an anxiety disorder, such as Generalized Anxiety Disorder or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
* Past or current treatment for alcohol use
* Past or current medical condition that contraindicates alcohol use
* Past or current reaction to alcohol that contraindicates alcohol use
* Past or current medication that contraindicates alcohol use

Where this trial is running

Seattle, Washington

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Psychological StressAlcohol Intoxicationalcohol administrationstress inductionvalue-based decision-making
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.