Avoidance Study

Silver brain model sitting in a mug of beer on a table, credit iStock.

IRB# 722-23-FB

Reinforcement Learning in Alcohol Use Disorder is a research study that investigates reinforcing behaviors related to alcohol use disorder.

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 3 minutes to complete. If you are interested, answer eligibility questions here.

You may be eligible for this study if you
  1. Are male or female between the ages of 22-40 years old.
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.

Study details

The research study will require two study visits. 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, complete an interview, and complete a computer task. We want to learn about your anxiety, depression, and alcohol and drug use. We will also collect a blood sample. The first study visit will take about three 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. The second study visit will take two 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.

Principal Investigator

Jennifer Blackford, PhD
Hattie B. Munroe Professor
Professor of Neurological Sciences, UNMC
Professor of Psychology, UNO
Director, Research at MMI