NCT05372029 · VA Office of Research and Development
AAT for Alcohol Use Disorder in Veterans
What this study is about
The proposed study will test a novel treatment for alcohol use disorders (AUD) to determine if it helps Veterans reduce their hazardous drinking and recover from alcohol-related functional impairments across social, occupational, and domestic domains.
View original scientific description
The proposed study will test a novel treatment for alcohol use disorders (AUD) to determine if it helps Veterans reduce their hazardous drinking and recover from alcohol-related functional impairments across social, occupational, and domestic domains. To do so, the investigators will evaluate clinical, cognitive, and neural effects of a computer-delivered Approach Avoidance Training (AAT) treatment - which changes implicit tendencies to approach alcohol-related cues - in conjunction with standard VA care. The project will support RR\&D's mission to improve Veterans' participation in their lives and community by determining if this innovative alternative technique can improve recovery outcomes for Veterans with AUD and exploring how the intervention works.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
Approach Avoidance Training
AAT condition, participants use a joystick to respond to the color of the border surrounding the stimulus images presented (i.e., "pull for green, push for blue"). The stimuli used are alcohol-related images and neutral beverage images. To experimentally manipulate automatic action tendencies, a contingency is set between alcohol stimuli and avoidance behaviors
BEHAVIORAL
Sham Training
In the Sham participants use a joystick to respond to the color of the border surrounding stimulus images presented. There is no contingency between instruction type and pictures (i.e., non-training version of the task)
Primary outcome measures
Change in the Drinker Inventory of Consequences (DrInC)
Time frame: Baseline, post (week 6), follow up 1 (3 mo.), followup 2 (6 mo.)
The DrInC assesses alcohol-related adverse functional consequences across physical (e.g., harmed physical health), interpersonal (e.g., loss of relationships), role responsibilities (e.g., missed work), psychological (e.g., loss of hobbies), and impulse control-related problems (e.g., legal problems) with higher scores indicating worse outcomes. Total scores range from 0 to 50.
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
- fluent in English
- primary diagnosis of AUD with no more than 90 days abstinence from alcohol
- 4-week stability if taking psychotropic medications
Exclusion criteria
- lifetime history of psychotic or bipolar disorder
- neurodegenerative or neurodevelopmental disorders
- history of moderate or severe traumatic brain injury or other known neurological condition
- sensory deficits that would preclude completing tasks
- suicidal or homicidal ideation within the past month necessitating urgent higher level care
- concurrent individual psychotherapy or other treatment outside of standard DDRP programming
- conditions unsafe for completing MRI scanning for those completing the scanning component only (e.g., metal in body)
Where
- San Diego, California
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 Jun 4, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations