Alcohol Effects on Drinking Behavior

(CSDP Trial)

Overseen By Ashley Vena, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Chicago

Disqualifiers: Major medical, psychiatric disorders, others

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: 4-6 weeks

800 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This study attempts to elucidate the factors that contribute to escalation and maintenance of excessive ethanol drinking in young adults by: 1. Examining subjective and objective response differences to alcohol and other common substances in a sample of adults with varying consumption patterns. 2. Determining whether response to alcohol and other substances is predictive of future consumption patterns through longitudinal follow-up interviews. 3. Examining the relationship between responses to alcohol and other substances at baseline and re-examination testing to evaluate if consumption patterns moderate this relationship.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial protocol does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. However, since the study excludes individuals with major medical or psychiatric disorders, it might imply that participants should not be on medications for such conditions.

How does this treatment for alcohol effects on drinking behavior differ from other treatments?

This treatment is unique because it focuses on understanding how alcohol impairs the brain's ability to process information, which can lead to more extreme social behaviors. Unlike other treatments that might focus on reducing alcohol consumption directly, this approach examines the cognitive effects of alcohol and how they influence behavior in social settings. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Chicago Social Drinking Project?

The study on social skills training for alcoholics showed that participants in the training group drank less and had more sober days compared to those in the control group. This suggests that similar behavioral interventions, like the Chicago Social Drinking Project, could be effective in reducing alcohol consumption. ^{6 7 8 9 10}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Andrea C King, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of Chicago

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for adults aged 21-65 who weigh between 110-210 lbs and drink alcohol at least once a week, including weekly 'binge' drinking episodes. They must be reachable for follow-ups for two years and able to attend two sessions at the University of Chicago. People with major medical or psychiatric disorders, or alcohol/substance dependence cannot join.

Inclusion Criteria

I can attend in-person screenings and experimental sessions at the University of Chicago.

I weigh between 110 and 210 lbs.

I can be contacted for follow-ups for at least 2 years after sessions.

Exclusion Criteria

You have a history of major medical or psychiatric disorders, including alcohol or substance dependence.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Baseline Testing

Participants undergo baseline testing to examine subjective and objective response differences to alcohol and other substances

1-2 weeks

Treatment

Participants consume various beverages including placebo, caffeine, low and heavy alcohol doses, and diphenhydramine to assess responses

4-6 weeks

Follow-up

Participants are monitored through longitudinal follow-up interviews to determine future consumption patterns

Long-term

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Chicago Social Drinking Project

Trial Overview The study is looking into why young adults might start and keep drinking too much by testing their reactions to alcohol (ethanol) and other substances like Diphenhydramine (an antihistamine) and caffeine compared to a placebo. It also tracks if these responses predict future drinking habits.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Beverage with Low Alcohol Dose Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Beverage containing 0.4 g/kg alcohol

Group II: Beverage with Heavy Alcohol Dose Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Beverage containing 0.8 g/kg alcohol

Group III: Beverage with Diphenhydramine Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Beverage containing 1.5 standard dose of Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)

Group IV: Beverage with Caffeine Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Beverage containing the equivalent of 1.5 times participant's average caffeine consumption

Group V: Beverage in Natural Environment Active Control 1 Intervention

Participant consumes alcohol containing beverages or non-alcohol beverages in natural environment

Group VI: Beverage with No alcohol (Placebo) Placebo Group 1 Intervention

Beverage containing 0.0 g/kg alcohol to act as placebo

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Chicago

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,086

Recruited

844,000+

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)

Collaborator

Trials

865

Recruited

1,091,000+

Citations

1. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Issues in the definition and measurement of drinking outcomes in alcoholism treatment research. [2019]

2. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

An outcome study comparing refusers and acceptors of treatment for alcoholism. [2019]

3. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Dimensions of change in the improving alcoholic. [2019]

4. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Social skills training in groups for alcoholics: one-year treatment outcome for groups and individuals. [2019]

5. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The long-term effectiveness of brief interventions for unsafe alcohol consumption: a 10-year follow-up. [2019]

6. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Alcohol and social behavior I: The psychology of drunken excess. [2022]

7. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Subjective Responses to Alcohol in the Development and Maintenance of Alcohol Use Disorder. [2022]

8. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Modeling influences on alcoholics' rates of alcohol consumption. [2018]

9. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Drinking in bars: an observational study of companion status and drinking behavior. [2019]

10. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Social drinking and laughter. [2004]