Patient Recruitment

Research on Alcohol

Volunteers Needed

a glass of alcohol sitting infront of an anatomical brain model

Doctors at the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) seek volunteers for a research study evaluating if brain inflammation occurs in individuals who are alcohol drinkers. Researchers also want to test if at least 3 weeks without alcohol affects inflammation in the brain.

About the research study:

  • Participation may require a 2 to 3-day inpatient, overnight stay.
  • Participants will have magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) scans of the brain.
  • Participants will have the option to participate in a 3 to 4-week inpatient alcohol detox phase of the study, followed by repeat brain scans.
  • Those who do not participate in the inpatient portion will also receive repeat brain scans.

You may qualify if you:

  • Are 30 to 75 years old
  • Have a minimum 5 year history of heavy alcohol drinking
  • Drink at least 20 alcohol drinks/week if male or 15 drinks/week if female
  • Are seeking or not seeking treatment for an alcohol use disorder

You may not qualify if you:

  • Have a medical condition that can impact brain function
  • Have had head trauma with loss of consciousness for more than 30 minutes
  • Have a history of drug abuse other than alcohol
  • Are pregnant or breast feeding
  • Are allergic to lidocaine
  • Have a history of a bleeding or clotting disorder
  • Have a positive urine test result for illicit drugs

Location: The NIH Clinical Center, America's research hospital, is conveniently located on the Metro Red Line (Medical Center stop) in Bethesda, Maryland. There is no charge for study-related tests or procedures. Compensation and travel assistance may be provided.

For more information, call:
1-800-411-1222
TTY: 1-866-411-1010
Se habla español

Or go online:
clinicaltrials.gov
Refer to study #14-AA-0192

Department of Health and Human Services
National Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC)
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)

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This page last updated on 10/22/2021

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