Bethesda, MDNCT06795581Now EnrollingIRB Ready

Alcohol Use Disorder Clinical Trial in Bethesda, MD

Access cutting-edge alcohol use disorder treatment through this phase 1 clinical trial at a research site in Bethesda. Study-provided care at no cost to qualified participants.

Sponsored by National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

Quick Self-Assessment

See if you qualify for this Bethesda location

Preparing your pre-screening questions…

Expert Care in Bethesda

Access alcohol use disorder specialists at no cost

IRB Approved

This study follows strict safety protocols and ethical guidelines

No-Cost Care

All study-related alcohol use disorder treatment provided free

Apply for This Bethesda Location

Check if you qualify for this alcohol use disorder clinical trial in Bethesda, MD

Secure & Confidential

Your information is protected and will only be shared with the research team.

Why Participate?

  • No-Cost Study Care

  • Local to Bethesda

    Convenient for MD residents

  • Cutting-Edge Treatment

    Access to innovative therapies

  • Expert Medical Care

    Close monitoring by specialists

  • Possible Compensation*

    For time and travel

*Compensation varies by study. Confirm details with coordinator.

Simple Process

  1. 1Submit this form
  2. 2Phone screening
  3. 3Visit Bethesda site if eligible
  4. 4Begin participation

About This Alcohol Use Disorder Study in Bethesda

Background: People with alcohol use disorder (AUD) also often have bouts of depression called major depressive episodes (MDEs). People having MDEs have been found to have low levels of a protein called PDE4B in the brain. Researchers want to find out if people with AUD also have low levels of PDE4B. This research may help lead to better treatments for AUD. Objective: To find out (1) if PDE4B levels are lower in people who are withdrawing from AUD and (2) if their PDE4B levels go up after they abstain from alcohol for 3 to 4 weeks. Eligibility: Adults aged 18 to 70 years with AUD. They must be enrolled in protocol 14-AA-0181. Design: Participants enrolled in protocol 14-AA-0181 will stay in the clinic for 3 to 4 weeks for alcohol withdrawal. During this stay, they will have some added procedures for the current study. Within the first week, participants will have a positron emission tomography (PET) scan of the brain. A needle will be used to guide a thin plastic tube (catheter) into a vein in one arm. An experimental substance called a radioactive tracer will be injected through the catheter. This tracer binds to PDE4B and makes it easier to see the protein in the brain. For the scan, participants will lie on a table that slides into a doughnut-shaped machine. Participants will have a second PET scan toward the end of their stay in the clinic. Participants may also have a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of the brain. They will lie on a bed that slides into a tube....

Sponsor: National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

Who Can Participate

Inclusion Criteria

Age 18-70 years
Willingness to complete the study including MRI tests.
Each participant must have a level of understanding sufficient to agree to all required tests and examinations and sign an informed consent document.
Participants must have their radial artery pulse checked for the presence of adequate ulnar collateral flow and the absence of any metal or foreign objects in both wrists.
Participants must agree to adhere to the lifestyle considerations.
Enrolled in protocol 14-AA-0181

Exclusion Criteria

Clinically significant abnormalities on laboratory testing beyond that expected in participants during alcohol withdrawal. This includes CBC and acute care panel (Na, K, Cl, CO2, creatinine, glucose, urea nitrogen).
Clinically significant abnormalities on EKG.
Participants who, in the investigator s judgment, pose a current serious suicidal or homicidal risk.
Participants with a breath alcohol level (BAL) past 0.08.
Participants who have an unstable medical condition that, in the opinion of the investigators, makes participation unsafe (e.g., an active infection or untreated malignancy).
Participants who have taken antidepressants or antipsychotic medications in the week prior or during their hospital admission.
HIV infection.
Have recent exposure to radiation related to research (e.g., PET from other research) that, when combined with this study, would be above the allowable limits.
Have an inability to lie flat and/or lie still on the camera bed for two hours, including claustrophobia, overweight greater than the maximum for the scanner, and uncontrollable behavioral symptoms, which will be screened by an interview with the participant during the screening visit.
Are unable to have an MRI scan (e.g., because of pacemakers or other implanted electrical devices, brain stimulators, dental implants, aneurysm clips (metal clips on the wall of a large artery), metallic prostheses (including metal pins and rods, heart valves, and cochlear implants), permanent eyeliner, implanted delivery pumps, shrapnel fragments, or metal fragments in the eye.
Be NIMH staff or an NIH employee who is a subordinate/relative/co-worker of the investigators.

Not sure if you qualify? Submit your interest and a study coordinator will help determine your eligibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:Is this study available in Bethesda?

Yes, this clinical trial (NCT06795581) has an active research site in Bethesda, MD that is currently enrolling participants.

Q:Is it safe to participate?

Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. This study has been reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals. You can withdraw at any time.

Q:Will I be compensated?

Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time and travel expenses. Specific compensation details will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is provided at no cost.

Q:Can I leave the trial if I change my mind?

Absolutely. Participation is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty.

Still have questions? Our study coordinators are here to help.

Alcohol Use Disorder Treatment Options in Bethesda, MD

If you're searching for alcohol use disorder treatment options in Bethesda, MD, this clinical trial (NCT06795581) may be an excellent opportunity. Clinical trials provide access to cutting-edge treatments that aren't yet available to the general public, often at no cost to participants.

Our Bethesda research site is actively enrolling participants for this phase 1 clinical trial. You'll receive care from experienced alcohol use disorder specialists who are at the forefront of medical research. All study-related care, including examinations, treatments, and monitoring, is provided at no cost to qualified participants.

Looking for more options? Browse all alcohol use disorder clinical trials near you to find additional studies recruiting in your area.

More Substance Use Disorder Trials in Bethesda, MD

See all substance use disorder clinical trials recruiting in Bethesda — not just this study.

Browse Substance Use Disorder Trials in Bethesda →

Browse More Trials by Condition

Substance Use Disorder TrialsAll Conditions →

Ready to Join in Bethesda?

Take the first step toward participating in this groundbreaking clinical trial

Secure · Expert Care · Bethesda, MD