Alcohol and the Social Brain: An Alcohol-Administration Hyperscanning Study Employing a Within-Subject Design

Recruiting now · Not applicable

Conditions studied: Alcohol Drinking, Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), Alcohol Intoxication, Alcohol; Harmful Use, Alcoholism, Binge Drinking

In brief

The study investigates the effects of alcohol consumption on social and individual behaviors using a within-subject design. Participants, aged 21-30, will attend two laboratory sessions approximately one week apart, participating as part of a dyad (pair). During one session, they will consume an alcoholic beverage, while in the other, they will receive a control beverage, with the order of conditions randomized. This design facilitates direct within-participant comparisons of behaviors and neural activity in intoxicated versus sober states. To achieve these aims, the study employs EEG technology to explore intra-brain and inter-brain dynamics during social interactions. Additionally, validated self-report questionnaires will capture data on mood, social bonding, and other psychological variables. The findings are expected to enhance understanding of alcohol's role in social reward processes and contribute to developing evidence-based prevention and intervention strategies for alcohol use disorder.

Key facts

Study ID

NCT07125534

Run by

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

People needed

200

Starts

2025-08-09

Expected to finish

2028-05-01

Last updated by the study team

2025-08-29

Who can join

Age: 21 and older, up to 30. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: accepted.

You may qualify if…

• Between the ages of 21 and 30
• Regularly consumes alcohol

You may not qualify if…

• History of adverse reaction to the amount of beverage employed in the study
• Have a history of major problems associated with alcohol
• Take medications that could adversely interact with alcohol
• Have medical conditions that contraindicate alcohol administration
• Individuals with a history of skull fractures or who indicate discomfort with EEG procedures used
• Female participant is pregnant or trying to become pregnant

Where it is running

• University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign — Champaign, Illinois, United States (enrolling)
• University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign — Champaign, Illinois, United States

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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