NCT07788716 · University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
Sensory and Physical Reactions to Beverage Cues
(AUD-CUE)
What this study is about
The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate changes in craving and sensory responses to different beverage cues in adults (aged 21-70) with current mild or greater alcohol use disorder (AUD).
View original scientific description
The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate changes in craving and sensory responses to different beverage cues in adults (aged 21-70) with current mild or greater alcohol use disorder (AUD). The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does exposure to different beverage cues elicit distinct changes in subjective craving? * How do beverage liking, peak craving, and the return of craving to baseline compare across different test-beverage conditions? Researchers will compare Session A (Test Beverage Condition A) to Session B (Test Beverage Condition B) in a randomized crossover design to see if sensory and expectancy effects influence craving responses without consumption. Participants will: * Complete two separate 3-minute cue reactivity trials per session (a baseline water cue, followed by a test-beverage cue) while listening to guided audio instructions and holding/smelling the beverage without drinking it. * Rate their craving and beverage liking using visual analog scales (VAS) immediately after each trial. * Provide breathalyzer readings (BrAC), vital signs, and safety/medication checks at both study visits. * Complete diagnostic and drinking history assessments (such as the SCID-5, TLFB, and ACQ-SF-R).
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
Alcohol Cue Reactivity Paradigm
Standardized 3-minute visual, olfactory, and tactile exposure to beverage cues (water, and two similar appearing beverages) accompanied by guided audio instructions.
Primary outcome measures
Change in Subjective Alcohol Craving Score, Visual Analog Scale (VAS)
Time frame: Visit 1 (baseline) through Visit 2, an average of 1 week.
Change in subjective alcohol craving, measured using a 20-cm Visual Analog Scale (VAS) ranging from 0 ("strongly disagree" or "None") to 20 ("Strongly agree" or "Extremely strong"), with higher scores indicating greater craving. Craving will be compared following a water cue versus a visually matched test-beverage cue.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Age 21-70 years.
- Current AUD (mild or greater severity on the SCID-5).
- Regular drinkers (at least one drink in past week as identified in TLFB) able to identify a preferred alcoholic beverage (e.g., beer, wine, spirits, or mixed) for which a visually matched non-alcoholic alternative exists and can be sourced .
- Willing to abstain from alcohol for ≥12 hours prior to each session and arrive with BrAC = 0.000% at visit 1 and ≤ 0.020% at visit 2. BrAC will be collected immediately after the participant signs the consent form at visit 1.
Exclusion criteria
- CIWA-Ar ≥10 which suggests clinically meaningful withdrawal.
- Pregnancy, nursing, or planning pregnancy.
- Medical contraindications to any alcohol exposure (e.g., liver disease, unstable cardiovascular condition).
- Current use of medications that strongly affect craving or alcohol consumption (e.g., naltrexone, acamprosate, disulfiram).
- Severe psychiatric illness or symptoms (e.g., bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, active suicidal ideation) that would interfere with procedures.
Where
- Dallas, Texas
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Aug 26, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations