Study of Brain Acetate Use and Stress in Adults with Alcohol Use Disorder Using Deuterium Imaging and MRI

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying how alcohol drinking affects stress and the bodys chemistry, focusing on a stress hormone called cortisol. This study aims to understand the relationship between drinking habits and cortisol levels, which may help develop better ways to reduce or stop harmful drinking. The study includes people aged 18 to 60 who have Alcohol Use Disorder or related drinking patterns. Participants will undergo brain imaging using a method called Deuterium Metabolic Imaging DMI, where a specially labeled form of acetate is given intravenously to track how the brain consumes acetate. Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy MRS and structural MRI will map brain metabolism and structure. Participants include groups with different drinking levels and treatment statuses, some receiving inpatient detoxification and others undergoing imaging and neurocognitive tests. Participants will complete telephone screening and an intake session with interviews, questionnaires, lab work, and urine drug screening. Brain imaging is done with intravenous deuterated acetate to measure metabolism. Neurocognitive tests assess alcohols impact. Researchers will measure the rate of acetate conversion to brain chemicals, cortisol turnover, and drinking and stress levels. The study includes baseline and follow-up assessments, including early sobriety and one month later for treatment seekers.

Drinking, Acetate, and Stress