NCT05929677 · Jessica Weafer
Impulsivity Domains and Subjective Response
What this study is about
Findings from this project will determine the relationship between two vulnerability factors for Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) in young adults: impulsivity and subjective response to alcohol. The results will identify badly needed, novel targets for prevention and treatment efforts to simultaneously reduce impulsivity and subjective responses in at-risk young adults.
View original scientific description
Findings from this project will determine the relationship between two vulnerability factors for Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) in young adults: impulsivity and subjective response to alcohol. The results will identify badly needed, novel targets for prevention and treatment efforts to simultaneously reduce impulsivity and subjective responses in at-risk young adults.
Interventions
DRUG
Placebo
Participants receive placebo (saline) intravenously. They will also have the opportunity to self-administer saline during the 60-minute free-access IV self-administration period in session 3.
DRUG
Alcohol
Participants receive alcohol intravenously, clamped at BrACs of 20mg%, 40mg%, and 60mg%. They will also have the opportunity to self-administer alcohol (up to 120mg% BrAC) during the 60-minute free-access IV self-administration period in session 3.
Primary outcome measures
Lab Subjective Response to Alcohol (SR)
Time frame: 70 minutes
Participants provide subjective ratings of stimulation and sedation using the Brief Biphasic Alcohol Effects Scale (scores from 0 to 10 where a higher number means more stimulation/sedation).
Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) Subjective Response to Alcohol (SR)
Time frame: 10 days
Participants provide subjective ratings of stimulation and sedation using the Brief Biphasic Alcohol Effects Scale (scores from 0 to 10 where a higher number means more stimulation/sedation) using the EMA app.
Change in Breath Alcohol Concentration (BrAC)
Time frame: 60 minutes
Highest BrAC in mg% taken by breathalyzer during the free-access period
Number of alcohol drink units self administered
Time frame: 60 minutes
participants can self-administer alcohol infusions by pushing 1 of 2 buttons to receive an alcohol or water "drink" unit. Each alcohol "drink" targets a 7.5mg% increase in BrAC over 2.5 min. The water "drink" is an equal volume of saline.
Number of drinks per day
Time frame: 10 days
Participants will report the number of drinks they consume each day via EMA app added to their phone.
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
- 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
- Boston, Massachusetts
- Columbus, Ohio
Collaborators
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
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 May 22, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations