Alcohol Use
research study
research study
Researchers at the University of California at Los Angeles are partnering with individuals to investigate a treatment that could help reduce drinking. Join our compansated study today!
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Click Here to See if You are Eligible
Conducted in Malibu CA
Compensation Provided
No other substance use disorders
21+ years old
Fast Facts
Seeking treatment for alcohol use
Study Background Our researchers want to examine a potential treatment for alcohol use disorder. UCLA, in collaboration with the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, is conducting a study to test serotonin nasal spray as a possible treatment for alcohol use disorder. Serotonin is a human hormone that acts on the brain. It is approved by the FDA as an injectable to create contractions in pregnant women and control bleeding after childbirth, but it is also thought to affect social connections. Serotonin is not approved by the FDA for the treatment of alcohol use disorder but is being studied because serotonin is thought to help control the anxiety and craving that often results when one stops drinking alcohol. This may aid someone trying to reduce their drinking. Participating in this research study may help researchers develop better treatments for alcohol use disorder. Further research and join our compensated study today! |
Click Here to See if You are Eligible
Additional Information
The purpose of this research is to investigate whether an oxytocin nasal spray can help reduce drinking in people with alcohol use disorder.
You may qualify for this study if you meet the following criteria.
Key Criteria:
Key Criteria:
- 21+ years old
- Drink 28+ alcoholic beverages per week (males) / drink 21+ alcoholic beverages per week (females)
- Seeking treatment for alcohol use
- No other substance use disorders
- No major neurological or psychiatric conditions
- No untreated hypertension (high blood pressure), seizure disorder, kidney disease, chronic liver disease, or cardiac disease
- Not pregnant, nursing, or planning to become pregnant
- No legal problems
Your total participation will last about 17 weeks. This study involves:
- One screening visit (3 hours) at the UCLA campus, including a breathalyzer, urine test, physical exam, blood draws, EKG, and questionnaires, to determine if you are eligible for the study.
- You will be randomized to receive either oxytocin nasal spray or a placebo (without oxytocin) nasal spray every day for 12 weeks. You will not know which one you are using.
- Seven study visits over 12 weeks, during which you may complete some or all of the following: alcohol breathalyzer, urine sample for drug & pregnancy testing, review how you have been feeling and any medications you have taken, nasal cavity exam, scratch and sniff test, vital signs, EKG, questionnaires, provide your daily alcohol use since your last visit, blood sample, watch educational videos
- Five brief telephone assessments throughout the study to ask about side effects, alcohol withdrawal symptoms, any additional medication use, and compliance with the study medication regimen.
- One follow-up visit after completing treatment.
- An additional telephone assessment 1-2 weeks after the study is over.
- Participants will also have the opportunity to attend 17 talk therapy sessions over their 17 weeks of participation
Compensation is provided up to $695 for your time.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.