Actively Recruiting
Alcohol, Approach-Avoidance, and Neurocircuitry Interactions in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Led by University of Texas at Austin · Updated on 2026-04-15
200
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are investigating how acute alcohol use affects decision-making related to approach and avoidance behaviors in adults with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This study aims to understand the brain and behavioral mechanisms that may increase the risk of alcohol use disorders (AUDs) among people with PTSD, by examining how alcohol changes responses to threat and reward. The research compares adults with PTSD, adults exposed to interpersonal violence without PTSD, and healthy adults to identify factors predicting alcohol misuse over a year. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive beverages containing either alcohol or a very low dose of alcohol (placebo). The study focuses on how alcohol influences approach-avoidance decision-making and brain activity in regions involved in reward and threat processing. These effects will be monitored initially and then related to alcohol use and symptoms over a one-year follow-up. The design includes placebo-controlled alcohol administration and neuroimaging to observe brain network changes. During the study, participants will undergo assessments including structured interviews, behavioral tasks measuring approach and avoidance choices, and brain imaging focused on the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex. Researchers will track alcohol use and symptoms of AUDs over one year to see how alcohol-induced decision-making changes relate to longer-term outcomes. Safety measures include monitoring for medical conditions, MRI compatibility, and ensuring participants have safe transportation after alcohol sessions.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Approach-Avoidance and Alcohol Challenge Study in PTSD
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Between 21 and 60 years of age
- Having consumed at least 4 (men) or 3 (women) drinks on at least two occasions over the last year
- For PTSD participants: meeting diagnostic criteria for PTSD confirmed by structured interview
You will not qualify if you...
- History of significant medical illness, especially affecting the brain
- Neurologic abnormalities including significant head trauma with loss of consciousness of 5 minutes or more
- Full Scale IQ below 85
- Contraindications to MRI scanning
- Positive pregnancy test
- Severe alcohol use disorder
- Current severe cannabis use disorder
- Any current substance use disorder other than alcohol, cannabis, or nicotine
- Scores above 15 on the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT)
- Previous participation in abstinence-oriented treatment for alcohol use
- Reporting a desire to quit drinking but inability to do so
- Medical, religious, or other reasons for not drinking alcohol
- History of heart attack, heart trouble, high blood pressure, diabetes, or liver disease
- Adverse reactions to alcoholic beverages
- Reporting never consuming 4 (men) or 3 (women) or more drinks on at least two occasions over the last year
- Unwillingness to have a friend or family member drive home after alcohol sessions
- For PTSD and IPV-exposed groups: not stable on medications for more than 4 weeks or acute suicidality with intent
- For IPV-exposed without PTSD group: history of PTSD
- For healthy comparison subjects: any prior psychiatric hospitalizations, lifetime history of neurodevelopmental, affective, psychotic, suicide attempt, or eating disorders, or more than one month of lifetime psychotropic medication use
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
Duration - Short-term sessions at separate times
Participants will consume beverages containing alcohol or a very low dose of alcohol (placebo) in separate sessions to assess changes in approach-avoidance decision-making and brain activation.
1 to 2 visits depending on crossover assignment
Duration - 1 year
Participants are followed for up to one year to observe alcohol use and PTSD symptoms after the treatment sessions.
Periodic follow-up assessments during the year
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
University of Texas at Austin
Austin, Texas, United States, 78712
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
R
Research Coordinator
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
CROSSOVER
Primary Purpose
PREVENTION
Number of Arms
2
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