NCT06494891 · University of California, Los Angeles
Motivation for IV Alcohol Self-Administration in Humans
What this study is about
The goal of this translational study is to understand different reasons why people between the ages of 21 and 65 with alcohol use disorder are motivated to self-administer alcohol.
View original scientific description
The goal of this translational study is to understand different reasons why people between the ages of 21 and 65 with alcohol use disorder are motivated to self-administer alcohol. The main questions it aims to answer are: * How does a person's desire for a reward affect their motivation to self-administer alcohol? * How does a person's emotions affect their motivation to self-administer alcohol? * How does a person's cognitive functioning affect their motivation to self-administer alcohol? Participants will be asked to complete questionnaires about their mood, habits, and functioning and will complete an IV alcohol administration that will include pressing a button to receive additional doses of IV alcohol.
Interventions
DRUG
Intravenous Alcohol
Participants will receive intravenous alcohol (6% ethanol v/v in saline; obtained from the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center Investigational Drug Service) over the course of an alcohol challenge. During the challenge, participants will be administered alcohol designed to reach target BrACs of 20, 40, and 60 mg%, each over 15 min. After reaching the last target BrAC (0.06 g/dl) participants will complete a self-administration (SA) paradigm. Participants will be invited to work (button press) for alcohol according to a log-linear progressive ratio schedule.
Primary outcome measures
Incentive Salience, Craving, and Self-Administration
Time frame: 10 hours
Scores on the incentive salience factor of the ANA will correlate with craving during the challenge and self-administration during the progressive ratio.
Negative Emotionality, Negative Mood, and Self-Administration
Time frame: 10 hours
Scores on the negative emotionality factor of the ANA will correlate with relief from negative mood during the challenge and self-administration during the progressive ratio.
Executive Dysfunction, Loss of Control, and Self-Administration
Time frame: 10 hours
Scores on the executive dysfunction factor of the ANA will correlate with loss of control during the challenge and self-administration during the progressive ratio.
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
- To be included in the study, participants must:
- Be between the ages of 21 and 65
- Have self-reported alcohol use in the past 30 days
- Meet current (i.e., past 12 months) DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for alcohol use disorder mild-to-severe
Exclusion criteria
- To be included in the study, participants must not:
- Currently be treatment seeking, in treatment for alcohol use, or have a history of treatment in the 30 days prior to consent
- Have current (last 12 months) DSM-5 diagnosis of substance use disorder for any psychoactive substances other than alcohol and nicotine
- Have a lifetime DSM-5 diagnosis of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or any other psychotic disorder
- Have current suicidal ideation or lifetime history of suicide attempt as reported on the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS)
- Have a positive urine screen for drugs other than cannabis
- Be pregnant, nursing, or planning to become pregnant while taking part in the study; and must agree to one of the following methods of birth control (if female), unless she or partner are surgically sterile:
- Oral contraceptives
- Contraceptive sponge
- Double barrier
- Intrauterine contraceptive device
- Etonogestrel implant
- Medroxyprogesterone acetate contraceptive injection
- Hormonal vaginal contraceptive ring
- Complete abstinence from sexual intercourse
- Have clinically significant abnormalities identified in the physical exam that may interfere with safe study participation (e.g. unstable cardiac, renal, or liver disease; diabetes; uncontrolled hypertension; or HIV)
- Exceed Grade 2 laboratory abnormalities, based on FDA Guidance Document "Toxicity Grading Scale for Healthy Adult and Adolescent Volunteers Enrolled in Preventive Vaccine Clinical Trials"
- Currently use any medications known to interact with alcohol, including: antidepressants, anticonvulsants, opioids, benzodiazepines, medications for diabetes, and medications that affect alcohol metabolism
- Have an intense fear of needles or have had adverse reactions to needle puncture
- Have any other circumstances that, in the opinion of the investigators, would not be a good fit for study participation Exclusion Criteria for Experimental Visit To participate in the IV alcohol administration, participants must not:
- Have a BrAC \> 0.000 g/dl
- Have clinically significant alcohol withdrawal symptoms as indicated by a score ≥ 10 on the Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment for Alcohol-Revised (CIWA-R)
- Exceed Grade 2 clinical vital sign abnormalities, based on FDA Guidance Document "Toxicity Grading Scale for Healthy Adult and Adolescent Volunteers Enrolled in Preventive Vaccine Clinical Trials"
Where
- Los Angeles, California
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 1, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations