Alcohol and the Social Brain: An Alcohol-Administration Hyperscanning Study Employing a Within-Subject Design

The study investigates the effects of alcohol consumption on social and individual behaviors using a within-subject design. Participants, aged 21-30, will attend two laboratory sessions approximately one week apart, participating as part of a dyad (pair). During one session, they will consume an alcoholic beverage, while in the other, they will receive a control beverage, with the order of conditions randomized. This design facilitates direct within-participant comparisons of behaviors and neural activity in intoxicated versus sober states. To achieve these aims, the study employs EEG technology to explore intra-brain and inter-brain dynamics during social interactions. Additionally, validated self-report questionnaires will capture data on mood, social bonding, and other psychological variables. The findings are expected to enhance understanding of alcohol's role in social reward processes and contribute to developing evidence-based prevention and intervention strategies for alcohol use disorder.

NCT Number	NCT07125534
Lead Sponsor	University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Conditions	Alcohol Drinking, Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), Alcohol Intoxication, Alcohol; Harmful Use, Alcoholism, Binge Drinking
Enrollment	200 participants
Start Date	2025-08-09
Primary Completion	2027-01 (estimated)
Study Completion	2028-05 (estimated)
Updated on ClinicalTrials.gov	2025-08-29