Alcohol Study

four adult friends at a table having coffee or tea, smiling, laughing; credit Shutterstock.

Alcohol Study

IRB# 279-21-FB

Sex differences in brain function during early abstinence in alcohol use disorders is a research study that seeks to learn about how the brain recovers from alcoholism and whether there are differences in men and women.

Eligibility survey

If you are interested in participating in this study, we would like to ask you several short questions to see if you might be eligible. These questions will take about 5 minutes to complete. If you are interested, answer eligibility questions here.

You may be eligible for this study if you:
  1. Are 22-40 years old
  2. Have no history of alcohol problems OR
    Have a history of alcohol problems and have been sober for 30-180 days
You may not be eligible for this study if you:
  1. Can’t have an MRI due to metal in your body or claustrophobia
  2. Have a neurological disorder or significant medical illness
  3. Use hormone medications (including hormone birth control), are pregnant, breastfeeding, or in menopause

Study details

The research study will require two study visits and will take a total of 6 hours. For the first study visit you would come to the Munroe-Meyer Institute at the University of Nebraska Medical Center to fill out some questionnaires and complete an interview. We want to learn about your anxiety, depression, and alcohol and drug use. The first study visit will take about 3 hours of your time. 

The second study visit involves going to the research MRI scanner on the Nebraska Medicine campus to look at how your brain works. While you are in the MRI you will look at different pictures. Some of these pictures may be distressing. We will also collect samples of your saliva and blood. The second study visit will take 3 hours of your time.

This study is being conducted solely for research purposes and your participation is strictly voluntary. If you are interested in taking part, we will ask you to sign a form to indicate that you consent to taking part in the study. If you consent to participate, you may withdraw from the study at any time. You will receive compensation for participation in each of the study visits.

Email study staff to learn more about the study.