Behavioral and Neurochemical Mechanisms Underlying Stress-Precipitated Drinking

The primary goal of this project is to build upon our promising pilot data and conduct the first human laboratory study evaluating effect of stress on the ability to resist drinking and subsequent alcohol consumption in individuals with alcohol use disorders versus social drinking controls. Importantly, we will measure HPA-axis reactivity and subjective reactivity (e.g., craving) as mechanisms underlying stress-precipitated drinking. Results will: 1) Determine whether individuals with alcohol use disorders versus social drinking controls are more reactive to stress-precipitated drinking outcomes; 2) Provide important evidence that targeting brain stress systems and stress reactivity is a viable medication development strategy for alcohol use disorders; 3) Identify potential mechanisms underlying the effect of stress on alcohol use outcomes; and 4) Provide the data necessary to expand this investigation to a Phase II clinical trial. Taken together, the innovative components of this proposal will guide development of treatments targeting the HPA-axis system for alcohol use disorders.