Genetic and Neural Factors in Alcohol-Related Cognition

This study examines the genetic factors that impact cognitive processes and behavior after alcohol consumption. Participation in this project will contribute to a better understanding of cognitive factors that influence alcohol misuse.

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Key information

Conditions

Alcohol Abuse Alcohol-Related Disorders Alcoholism Chemically-Induced Disorders Mental Disorders Substance-Related Disorders

Age range

21 year–45 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Virginia Commonwealth University

Richmond, Virginia, 23298, United States

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

English speaking
No current or regular use of prescribed or illicit psychoactive drugs
Free of major health problems (e.g., diabetes, HIV, Parkinson's disease)
Free of neurological or psychiatric disorders
No current drug abuse (e.g., recreational drug use).
Right-hand dominant
Free of claustrophobia
Free of pregnancy or suspected pregnancy
Absent MRI risk factors (e.g., implanted medical device, body mass index > 35, braces)
Free of medical conditions that render individuals with overly sensitive hearing
Non-naive to alcohol consumption

Exclusion criteria

Not meeting the inclusion criteria listed above

Treatment and study plan

MRI Scanner

Behavioral

Participants will enter the MRI scanner and complete a series of computer tasks that include noise blasts while undergoing brain scans that measure the structure and function of the brain

Primary outcomes

Changes in Alcohol-influenced Behavior

Time frame: During the course of the MRI session

Aggressive behavior (i.e., the average volume of noise blasts selected to be administered to participants' opponents) after recent consumption of an alcoholic beverages (versus without recent consumption of an alcoholic beverages) will be measured using the validated and computerized Taylor Competitive Reaction-Time Task. The Taylor Competitive Reaction-Time Task consists of multiple trials that each assess aggression, via a four-point scale that ranges from 1 (low noise blast volume [low aggression]) to 4 (high noise blast volume [high aggression]). Noise blast settings are averaged to provide a total score ranging from 1 to 4, with higher scores indicating greater aggression.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Virginia Commonwealth University

Other

Collaborators

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)

Registry information

Important dates

Study start: 2023
Primary completion: 2024
Study completion: 2024
First posted: Oct 31, 2018
Registry last updated: Jan 5, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

Published trials that share one or more normalized conditions with this study.

Completed