Methylphenidate and Response to Alcohol Cues

• Status: Recruiting
• Trial end date: 2025-06-01
• Target enrollment: 0
• Participant gender: All

Summary

The purpose of this study is to determine whether changes in attention levels related to taking a single dose of a medication called methylphenidate, also known as Ritalin, affects responses to alcohol cues. The study will observe the effects of methylphenidate or a placebo on attentional bias and craving responses to alcohol cues through fMRI, EEG, and behavioral testing. Participants will be involved in one remote and two in-person sessions.

• Phase: Early Phase 1
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers?: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Details

• Lead Sponsor: University of Florida
• Treatments: Methylphenidate

Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adults ages 18-25 years

• Meets DSM-5 criteria for AUD

• Meets DSM-5 criteria for ADHD

• Fluent in English

• Normal or corrected to normal vision

Exclusion Criteria:

• Meets DSM-5 criteria for bipolar disorder, psychotic disorders, neurological disorders, or substance use disorders other than AUD.

• Participant routinely uses psychoactive drugs or medications except for non-dependent marijuana or nicotine use (due to common use of these substances in individuals with AUD).

• Participant has contraindications for taking methylphenidate.

• Participant has contraindications for being in an MRI machine

• Self-reported history of high blood pressure over 140/90 or consistent readings of 140/90 or above upon arrival for a session.

• History of seizure disorder

• Liver disease

• Participant is currently pregnant or trying to become pregnant