This study systematically evaluates the efficacy of a highly promising neuromodulation strategy - continuous theta burst (cTBS) transcranial magnetic stimulation - as a tool to change alcohol use behavior (Aim 1) and neurobehavioral concomitants of that behavior (Aim 2) in non-treatment seeking individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD). In addition, we can begin to test prediction of individual treatment response based on an electrocortical signature of sign tracking (exploratory aim). This study is a double-blind, active sham-controlled study in community dwelling, non-treatment seeking individuals who meet DSM 5 criteria for AUD. Participants will be randomized to one of three groups: cTBS to ventromedial prefrontal cortex, cTBS to pre-supplementary motor area, or sham stimulation (10 sessions in one day). Participants will undergo comprehensive outcomes assessment, with measures including pre- and immediately post-cTBS clinical assessments (e.g., interview, Timeline Follow-back), alcohol craving tests, structural and fMRI, MRS, and EEG/ERP during salience- and cognitive flexibility-related tasks. To test alcohol craving and also use in alcohol-available settings, participants will complete a bar-lab session post-cTBS only (to avoid potential habituation to alcohol cues within the laboratory setting). Finally at 1-week post-treatment participants will complete craving and Timeline Follow-back measures remotely via REDCap.

A single weight based dose of alcohol will be given to approximate an alcohol binge (aiming to achieve a blood alcohol concentration of approximately 0.08%) to investigate downstream effects on intestinal permeability and changes in hepatic steatosis. Several studies have been performed in humans under similar conditions and looking at similar things. The PI, Dr. Garth Swanson, conducted one of these studies previously. Here, participants will be given a weight-based dose (2mL vodka per kg body weight) of alcohol, with assessment of intestinal permeability via urine collection over the 24 hours directly following alcohol consumption, assessment of changes in hepatic steatosis by evaluation with fibroscan before and after alcohol consumption, and blood markers of endotoxemia and related inflammatory markers after. The weight-based dosing of alcohol was chosen to reflect previous studies looking at the effects of a single episode of alcohol binge use, with the goal of achieving a blood alcohol concentration of approximately 0.08%, the lower limit of what is needed to be considered an acute alcohol binge.

This study focuses on adolescents who experience both substance use problems and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which often occur together and can seriously impact mental health, school performance, and relationships if left untreated. The goal is to evaluate a trauma-focused treatment called Concurrent Treatment of PTSD and Substance Use Disorders for Adolescents (COPE-A), which is designed to address both conditions at the same time. Earlier pilot studies showed that COPE-A is safe, feasible, and effective in reducing substance use and PTSD symptoms compared to a supportive counseling approach.

In this larger study, 120 adolescents from across the U.S. will receive treatment through telehealth. Researchers will compare COPE-A to person-centered therapy to see which leads to greater improvements in substance use and PTSD symptoms. The study will also examine effects on depression, HIV risk behaviors, relationships, and overall quality of life, while using brief daily surveys to track changes over time.

Co-occurring post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD) disproportionately affects Veterans and has significant negative impacts on the safety, wellbeing, and quality of life of Veterans, their romantic partners, and their families. However, treatments that address co-occurring PTSD-AUD and restore Veterans' psychosocial functioning are lacking. The overall goal of this project is to improve treatment approaches aimed at reducing symptoms of co-occurring PTSD-AUD and improving functioning among Veterans and their partners. We plan to do this by learning from Veterans, family members, and treatment providers in order to inform an adaptation of a brief dyadic AUD intervention to be delivered alongside integrated PTSD-AUD treatment for Veteran couples and then conducting a pilot trial of an adapted Brief Family Involved Treatment (B-FIT) intervention with Veterans with PTSD-AUD and their romantic partners.

The long-term objective of this proposed R24 program is to enhance our understanding of how circadian rhythm disruption contributes to vulnerability to alcohol-induced organ damage, and to explore the underlying mechanisms (e.g. microbiota) that could lead to the identification of novel therapeutic targets. This knowledge aims to inform the development of innovative strategies to prevent and to treat alcohol-related pathologies.

This is a Phase 2, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pemvidutide in the treatment of AUD in subjects with obesity or overweight.

Co-occurring post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD) disproportionately affects Veterans and has significant negative impacts on the safety, wellbeing, and quality of life of Veterans, their romantic partners, and their families. However, treatments that address co-occurring PTSD-AUD and restore Veterans' psychosocial functioning are lacking. This project is designed to learn more to facilitate improving treatment approaches aimed at reducing symptoms of co-occurring PTSD-AUD and improving functioning among Veterans and their partners. The goal of this project is to learn from Veterans, family members, and treatment providers in order to inform an adaptation of a brief dyadic AUD intervention to be delivered alongside integrated PTSD-AUD treatment for Veteran couples.

Rates of heavy episodic drinking (HED) among military veterans are almost double that of the general population. Veterans also experience more serious negative health consequences of HED, including high-risk behaviors such as aggression. Research shows there is a link between HED and aggression. However, no programs exist to reduce alcohol-related aggression among veterans. The purpose of this study is to examine the feasibility and acceptability of adapting a current therapy - Managing Emotions to Reduce Aggression (MERA) - to include alcohol-focused Motivational Interviewing plus Feedback (MIF). We will use a brief, four session protocol that includes an hour of talk therapy, plus completion of surveys at each of the four sessions.

This study tests a mobile app that aims to reduce alcohol use and risky sexual behavior.

Interested individuals will complete an online screener to see if they are eligible. Eligible participants will complete six mobile sessions over the course of about 45 days.

The first and the last session will be completed via video conference with a member of the research staff. The second through fifth sessions are completed independently on the mobile app. Sessions involve survey questionnaires, clinical interviews, and computerized tasks. Participants will be compensated for completed study sessions.

Adolescence is a time of development in the brain and microbiome, including the microbiome present in the mouth called the oral microbiome. Alcohol use often begins and escalates during adolescence, which can cause changes to the oral microbiome leading to changes in the brain. The alcohol specific changes to the oral microbiome and the brain may make adolescents more vulnerable to a lifelong struggle with alcohol use disorder. This study will collect (1) saliva to assess the composition of the oral microbiome and (2) brain measurements using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) across adolescents who may or may not use alcohol. Findings from this study will help form a more thorough understanding of the biological consequences of adolescent alcohol use, with the long-term goal of informing novel prevention and intervention efforts.