Understanding impulsivity and alcohol response in young adults

Linking Impulsivity Domains and Subjective Response to Alcohol in Young Adults Using Lab and Daily Assessment Methods

Early Phase 1 Interventional Ohio State University · NCT05929677

This study is trying to see how impulsivity affects young adults' reactions to alcohol to find new ways to prevent and treat alcohol misuse.

Quick facts

PhaseEarly Phase 1
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment250 (estimated)
Ages21 Years to 25 Years
SexAll
SponsorOhio State University Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Boston, Massachusetts and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05929677 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the relationship between impulsivity and subjective response to alcohol in young adults, aiming to identify new targets for prevention and treatment of Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). It addresses the urgent public health crisis of alcohol misuse among young adults, particularly as rates are rising in young women. The research will utilize ecological momentary assessment (EMA) over two years, involving lab assessments and daily evaluations to explore how these risk factors interact and contribute to alcohol misuse. The study will enroll 250 participants aged 21-25 who meet specific drinking criteria.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are young adults aged 21-25 who have a history of alcohol consumption and meet specific drinking frequency criteria.

Not a fit: Patients with serious medical issues, significant psychiatric disorders, or those currently undergoing intensive treatment for addiction may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective prevention and treatment strategies for young adults at risk of Alcohol Use Disorder.

How similar studies have performed: While the study explores novel relationships between impulsivity and subjective alcohol response, similar approaches have shown promise in understanding addiction risk factors.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* 21-25 years old
* Report drinking to an estimated BAC \> .08% at least once in the past 30 days based on responses on the Timeline Followback (TLFB)
* Report drinking at least twice weekly in the past 30 days based on responses on the TLFB
* Fluency in English

Exclusion Criteria:

* Any serious medical problems (e.g., liver disease, cardiac abnormality, pancreatitis, diabetes, neurological problems, and gastrointestinal disorders)
* Body weight \< 110 or \> 210 pounds
* Axis I psychiatric disorders including substance use disorder other than mild or moderate alcohol or mild cannabis use disorder
* Current alcohol withdrawal or history of medically-assisted detoxification
* Two positive breath alcohol concentration (BrAC) readings (i.e., \> 0.00%) at an in-person screening appointment or experimental session
* Positive urine screen for illegal drugs other than cannabis
* Currently seeking or past-12-month history of inpatient or intensive treatment for addictive behaviors
* Current psychotropic medication use or receipt of a prescription for these medications in the past 30 days
* Psychosis or other psychiatric disability
* Pregnancy, nursing or lack of reliable birth control use for women
* Report smoking \> 5 cigarettes per day (to avoid acute nicotine effects or withdrawal during experimental sessions)

Where this trial is running

Boston, Massachusetts and 1 other locations

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 Alcohol Use DisorderAddictionAlcoholYoung adultImpulsivityPreventionSubjective response
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.