Study of Structural Imaging

Objective

The purpose of this protocol is to characterize cerebellar volumes and function in alcoholics and recovery of cerebellar volume and function during early abstinence. This study also investigates how cerebrocerebellar circuits contribute to cognitive and motor impairment in alcoholism.

Study Population

Healthy volunteers and Inpatient participants with alcohol use disorders.

Design

Participants will receive whole-brain structural imaging and assessment of cerebellar function at the time of admission and again at the time of discharge.

Outcome

The Primary outcome of this study is to assess recovery of cerebellar structure and function at the end of treatment compared to treatment entry measures.

• INCLUSION CRITERIA:

• 30 to 60 years old
• Physically healthy
• Healthy volunteers only: Currently consuming 7 or less standard drinks per week if female; 14 or less drinks per week if male.

Exclusion criteria

• Significant history of head trauma or cranial surgery,
• History of diabetes or stroke which requires medical intervention,
• Clinical or laboratory evidence of severe hepatic disease as determined by ALT or AST greater than 5 times the upper normal limit, INR greater than 2.0, total bilirubin greater than 2.5 mg/dL, and albumin lower than 3.0 g/dL.
• Positive HIV test.
• Healthy volunteers only: 5 or more binge drinking episodes in the past 30 days (5 or more standard drinks on one occasion for males, 4 or more standard drinks on one occasion for females within two hours)
• Healthy volunteers only:

--Have fulfilled DSM-IV or DSM-5 criteria for current alcohol use disorder or substance abuse disorder

• Inpatient participants only: Currently experiencing symptoms of withdrawal from alcohol (As determined by the most recent measurement within the past 30 days CIWA score > 8)
• Female participants only: Are currently pregnant
• IPresence of any contraindication for fMRI as determined by the NIAAA MRI Safety Screening Questionnaire
• Have calustrophobia