Clinical Research Directory

Computer-Assisted Self-Administration of Ethanol

This study will test the reliability of a procedure for self-administering ethanol (alcohol) intravenously (through a vein), using a computer-assisted method. People ordinarily self-administer alcohol through drinking alcoholic beverages, but blood alcohol levels resulting from drinking vary greatly among individuals. For research on alcohol dependence and treatment, a tool for achieving precise blood levels is needed. In addition to testing this method of alcohol administration, the study will examine self-administration behavior and resulting breath alcohol concentration, the effects of alcohol on the participants, and differences between men and women in alcohol self-administration. Healthy normal volunteers between 21 and 45 years of age may be eligible for this study. Participants are assigned to one of two study groups. Group 1 undergoes three 7-hour study sessions and group 2 participates in two sessions, each of which includes the following procedures: * Breathalyzer and urine tests for alcohol and illicit drug use. * Urine pregnancy test for women. * Light lunch. * Questionnaire about health and recent drinking. Alcohol infusion: Subjects are seated in a comfortable chair and instructed on how to use a computer to give themselves a short infusion of alcohol through a catheter (plastic tube) that has been inserted into a vein in their the arm. Sensors are placed on their chest to monitor heart beat and their neck to record skin blood flow. At the start of the session, subjects complete questionnaires about any drug effects and urges to drink they may be feeling. They are trained on how to use the computer to administer alcohol and are then allowed to self-administer alcohol through the catheter any time they like, as long as their peak breath alcohol level does not exceed 0.1 g% (a level that would result from ingestion of 4 to 6 drinks in most people). If that point is reached, the computer automatically inactivates self-administration until the level is lowered again. Breathalyzer readings are taken every 15 to 30 minutes. Subjects may read, watch television or videos or listen to music during the sessions. Recovery: At the end of the 2.5 hours of self-administration, the catheter is removed and subjects can eat, read, watch television and relax in the clinic until their breath alcohol level falls below 0.02 g%, usually after 2.5 to 3 hours, when they can go home by taxi or with a pre-arranged designated driver.

Longitudinal Changes in the Oral and Gut Microbiome of Individuals With Alcohol Dependence

Background: Many bacteria live in the gut. The gut is the tube that moves food from the mouth through the stomach to the intestines. Heavy alcohol use disturbs these bacteria. There is evidence that the bacteria in the gut may affect anxiety and depression. Researchers want to learn more about these bacteria in order to better treat diseases such as alcohol dependence. Objective: To identify the different bacteria that live in the mouth and gut. Also, to learn if these bacteria change as a person goes through alcohol detoxification. Eligibility: People ages 18 and older who: * Enrolled in screening protocol 14-AA-0181 * Are going through detoxification treatment at the Clinical Center Design: Participants will have physical exams. Participants will answer questions about: * Anxiety and depression * Alcohol use * Sleep * Abdominal and oral health * Diet Participants will keep a regular record of their diet. Participants will have breath alcohol analysis 4 times per day. Participants will provide stool and oral specimens at most once a day for the first week. Then, they will provide them once a week while they are at the Clinical Center. * For the oral specimen: A small brush rubs the tongue. They may not eat, drink, or perform oral care within 2 hours of collection. * For the stool specimen: They will receive a container that fits in the toilet. They will let the nurse know right away when the sample is ready. Participants will have a dental visit. This consists of an oral exam and oral health assessment. The dentist may recommend a cleaning or dental X-rays.

Responsible Marijuana Sales Practices to Reduce the Risk of Selling to Intoxicated Customers

The new recreational marijuana markets are contributing to polysubstance-impaired driving and other harms, especially when marijuana is used in combination with alcohol, by selling marijuana to obviously-intoxicated customers. In this study, the effectiveness of an intervention to reduce the risk of marijuana sales to obviously-intoxicated customers will be tested in the state-licensed recreational marijuana market in Oregon, one of the first states to ban such sales. The intervention will combine efforts by state regulators to increase deterrence of the state law prohibiting marijuana sales to obviously-intoxicated customers with training of store personnel to recognize signs of intoxication and refuse sales. It will also include testing the rate at which visibly intoxicated customers are refused alcohol at nearby establishments that sell alcohol either on-site or off-site