CompletedNot Applicable

Decreasing the Temporal Window in Individuals With Alcohol Use Disorder

United States124 participantsStarted 2023-09-21

Plain-language summary

In the absence of sufficient monetary resources, individuals must attend to immediate, minimum needs (e.g., food, shelter). This constricts one's temporal window and engenders neglect of the future. In observational studies, scarcity is associated with higher rates of delay discounting. Additionally, socioeconomic status is inversely associated with alcohol use disorder and related problems. Experimentally, scarcity shortens attention, impedes cognitive function, and increases delay discounting in multiple populations. Moreover, scarcity increases demand for fast foods in the obese and increases craving for alcohol in problem drinkers. These data suggest that economic scarcity worsens both components of reinforcer pathology (delay discounting and alcohol overvaluation), thus increasing vulnerability to alcohol use disorder. However, studies investigating the effects of scarcity on alcohol demand discounting rate have been limited. The purpose of Aim 1b is to examine effects of decreasing the temporal window and its concomitant effects on alcohol valuation (demand, and craving) and delay discounting.

Who can participate

Age range

21 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * High-risk or harmful drinking (AUDIT\>15) * 21 years of age or older * Desire to quit or cut down on their drinking, but do not have proximate plans to enroll in treatment for AUD during the study period Exclusion Criteria: * having a current unmanaged psychotic disorder * reporting current pregnancy or lactation * having dementia

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Delay Discounting (DD) Rates

Timeframe: At the first session (S1; baseline measures) and Session 2 (S2; occurs approximately 2-3 days after S1)

Intensity of Alcohol Demand

Timeframe: At the first session (S1; baseline measures) and Session 2 (S2; occurs approximately 2-3 days after S1)

Change in Alcohol Craving

Timeframe: At the first session (S1; baseline measures) and Session 2 (S2; occurs approximately 2-3 days after S1)

Trial details

NCT IDNCT04128761

SponsorVirginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2024-05-28

Results submitted2025-05-28

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Alcohol Use Disorder trials

Plain-language summary

Who can participate

Age range

21 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

What they're measuring

Delay Discounting (DD) Rates

Timeframe: At the first session (S1; baseline measures) and Session 2 (S2; occurs approximately 2-3 days after S1)

Intensity of Alcohol Demand

Timeframe: At the first session (S1; baseline measures) and Session 2 (S2; occurs approximately 2-3 days after S1)

Change in Alcohol Craving

Timeframe: At the first session (S1; baseline measures) and Session 2 (S2; occurs approximately 2-3 days after S1)