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

Part of paid clinical trials in Champaign, Illinois.

Sponsor
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Study ID
NCT07125534
Status
Recruiting
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Conditions

  • Alcohol Drinking
  • Alcohol Intoxication
  • Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)
  • Alcohol; Harmful Use
  • Alcoholism
  • Binge Drinking

Eligibility Criteria

Sex
ALL
Age
21 Years - 30 Years
Healthy Volunteers
Accepted

Interventions

  • Alcohol beverage — DRUG
    This intervention involves the administration of an alcohol beverage (vodka mixed with juice or soda) in a controlled laboratory setting, targeting a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08%. The alcohol is consumed over a 36-minute period in three equal parts.
  • Control - non alcoholic beverage — OTHER
    This intervention involves the administration of a non-alcoholic control beverage in a controlled laboratory setting. The beverage is matched in volume and palatability to the alcohol condition but co

Study Details

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 Dates

Start date
Aug 9, 2025
Status verified
Aug 2025
Primary completion
Jan 31, 2027
Completion
May 31, 2028

Study Design

Enrollment
200 participants (estimated)
Allocation
NA
Intervention model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE

Arms

  • Experimental: Alcohol beverage administration
  • Other: Control condition - non alcoholic beverage

Primary Outcome Measure

Inter-brain entrainment [ Time Frame: During active laboratory beverage manipulation exposure (during or immediately after beverage administration, at which time participants in the alcohol condition will register a positive BAC) ]

Central Contacts

Locations (2)

FacilityCityStateZIPSite coordinators
University of Illinois at Urbana ChampaignChampaignIllinois61820
Catharine E Fairbairn, Ph.D.
[email protected]
2173005850
University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignChampaignIllinois61820
Catharine Fairbairn, Ph.D.
[email protected]
217 300 5850
Catharine Fairbairn, Ph.D. (PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR)

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By research site
University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign· Champaign, ILUniversity of Illinois Urbana-Champaign· Champaign, IL

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