Study of How Alcohol Affects Decision-Making and Brain Activity in Adults With PTSD to Understand Risk for Alcohol Problems

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.

Approach-Avoidance and Alcohol Challenge Study in PTSD