FAQ

To test a new approach to reducing heavy drinking in young adults, one that combines a type of counseling designed for young adults with low doses of an FDA-approved medication.

The medication is called naltrexone. It has been FDA-approved for alcohol treatment since 1994. In fact, the Principal Investigator of Project Choice, Dr. Stephanie O’Malley, conducted one of the two studies that led directly to the FDA approval of naltrexone for alcohol treatment.

Naltrexone was not designed to cause this reaction. While nausea can occur with naltrexone, it is usually mild and typically goes away over time. A different medication, called disulfiram or antabuse is designed to make someone sick if they drink alcohol while taking it. Again, this is not the medication used in this study.

Naltrexone has been approved by the FDA for use in alcohol treatment since 1994. Naltrexone blocks the effects of opiates in the brain and by doing this, seems to decrease craving and decrease some of the pleasurable effects of drinking. Like any medication, its use may lead to side effects such as nausea and it must be used as directed. Given that the medication is broken down by the liver, we monitor liver function before people start the study and while they are taking the medication. Details about the medication and how it should be taken would be explained to you by the study nurse. You can always contact us with any questions or concerns about the medication.

Please see the naltrexone information page to learn more about the study medication.

The FDA approved dose is 50mg. You would take half of this dose (25mg) each day, usually in the morning and then take another half dose in preparation for drinking situations, preferably two hours before you drink.

The study lasts one year, but most of what we will ask of you will take place in a 9 or 10-week period.

There are a total of 10 appointments for the study over the course of a year, 6 of which you must attend at our study site at 1 Long Wharf Drive in New Haven. One appointment takes place over the phone and the other 3 appointments can either be done in person or by a combination of phone/internet.

In addition to attending study appointments and taking the medication, we will ask you to complete a brief survey on the web each day during a 9 to 10 week period. These surveys should take no longer than 5 or 10 minutes.

No. There are a number of ways to get access to the internet other than a personal computer. Most public libraries and colleges/universities offer internet access. If you do not have access to a public computer with internet access, you may complete paper versions of the surveys instead.

You can earn up to $500 while participating in Project Choice.

No, you would not have to stop drinking. The approach taken in Project Choice is designed to reduce heavy drinking. If you choose to quit drinking we will also support that goal.

Our program is designed for heavy drinkers and does not require a diagnosis of alcoholism. But even those who meet criteria for alcohol dependence are not labeled “alcoholic” in Project Choice.

Absolutely. Your participation would be confidential.

Call us at (203) 974-5763 or email us at project.choice@yale.edu