Alcohol
Clinical Research on Alcohol
Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) ranks as the second-most widespread and costly substance use disorder, after nicotine use disorder. Researchers within the Division are focused on developing more effective treatments for AUD. This includes clinical trials focused on testing both novel medications, as well as how existing medications can be integrated with psychosocial interventions more effectively. In addition, there is a major focus on the neural mechanisms by which treatments change behavior. The clinical research on alcohol is conducted primarily at the Substance Treatment and Research Service (STARS).
Faculty conducting clinical research on alcohol:
- Elias Dakwar, MD
- Suzette Evans, PhD
- Frances Levin, MD
- John Mariani, MD
- Diana Martinez, MD, PhD
- Nasir Naqvi, MD, PhD
- Edward V. Nunes, MD
Laboratory Research on Alcohol
Our Division conducts laboratory research related to alcohol and alcohol use disorder. Most of these studies incorporate variations of alcohol self-administration studies under controlled laboratory conditions. These approaches have been applied to understanding vulnerability to alcohol abuse among subgroups of populations at increased risk for alcohol and other drug use disorders, with a particular emphasis on the role of gender, hormonal factors and psychiatric comorbidity. Another focus has been on the effects of novel medications on the response to alcohol in the laboratory, with a particular focus on the GABA and glutamate neurotransmitter systems. Other avenues of research include examining biological markers of alcohol consumption, neuroimaging of individuals with Alcohol Use Disorder, as well as examining the role of impulsivity.
Faculty conducting laboratory alcohol research: