Examining How a Novel Medication Modulates the Brain, Body and Alcohol Craving
Researchers at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital are conducting a project to examine how an investigational study drug modulates the brain and body and how these effects might serve to regulate craving to alcohol.
Eligibility
INCLUSION CRITERIA:
- Male and female patients between the ages of 18 and 65 meeting DSM-V criteria for current alcohol use disorder
- Adequate cognition and English language skills to give valid consent and complete research interviews;
- A BrAC reading of 0.00.
- Must have a stable residence and be able to identify an individual who could locate subject if needed
- Provision of informed consent
EXCLUSION CRITERIA:
- Active major psychological disorder associated with psychosis, significant suicide risk
- Pregnancy or lactation - Women shall be advised to use reliable contraception for the duration of drug therapy and a urine pregnancy test will be performed where necessary;
- Dependence on any substance other than nicotine (eg methadone)
- Diagnosis of epilepsy, and/or current use of anti-epileptic drugs (AED).
- Liver failure with jaundice or prolonged INR above 1.3
- Medical complications such as liver failure, cardiac ischemia or conduction abnormalities, renal impairment or unstable elevated vital signs (systolic blood pressure > 180, diastolic blood pressure > 120 or heart rate > 150)
- Severe cognitive impairment or insufficient English or literacy to complete study processes.
- Concurrent use of drugs potentially exacerbated by CBD via CYP3A5 including cardiac medication (eg betablockers, calcium channel blockers and statins), macrolides and recent antihistamine use.
- Claustrophobia;
- Extreme obesity;
- Previous brain surgery;
- Ever employed as a machinist, a welder or a metal worker;
- Metal items such as pacemakers; aneurysm clips in the brain; metal dental implants; metallic fragments in the eye or anywhere else; insulin pump; metal implants; hearing aid or a prosthetic device.
- CIWA-Ar score of >10 (refer for treatment as appropriate and will not enter the study.)
How to participate
If you are interested in participating please follow this link and add your contact information
