Methylphenidate and Response to Alcohol Cues

Starting soon · Phase 2 · Has a placebo group

Conditions studied: Alcohol Use Disorder

In brief

The purpose of this study is to determine whether changes in attention levels related to taking a single dose of a medication called methylphenidate, also known as Ritalin, affects responses to alcohol cues. The study will observe the effects of methylphenidate or a placebo on neural and craving responses to alcohol cues through fMRI and behavioral testing. Participants will be involved in one remote and two in-person sessions.

Key facts

Study ID: NCT07306078
Run by: University of Florida
People needed: 50
Starts: 2026-05-01
Expected to finish: 2028-04-01
Last updated by the study team: 2026-01-13

Who can join

Age: 18 and older, up to 25. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: accepted.

You may qualify if…

Adults ages 18-25 years
Meets DSM-5 criteria for Alcohol Use Disorder -OR- score on the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) of >=8
Fluent in English
Normal or corrected to normal vision

You may not qualify if…

Meets DSM-5 criteria for psychotic disorders, neurological disorders, or substance use disorders other than Alcohol Use Disorder.
Participant routinely uses psychoactive drugs or medications except for non-dependent marijuana or nicotine use (due to common use of these substances in individuals with Alcohol Use Disorder).
Participant has contraindications for taking methylphenidate.
Participant has contraindications for being in an MRI machine
Self-reported history of high blood pressure over 140/90 or consistent readings of 140/90 or above upon arrival for a session.
History of seizure disorder
Liver disease
Participant is currently pregnant or trying to become pregnant

Where it is running

University of Florida — Gainesville, Florida, United States

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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