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Home › Conditions › Alcohol Use Disorder

Alcohol Use Disorder

Subtypes of Alcohol Use Disorder

Alcohol dependence 0

13 published articles · Updated continuously

Clinical Trial Landscape

Clinical Trials for Alcohol Use Disorder

144 trials tracked for Alcohol Use Disorder: 14 in phase 3 or 4 and 4 with published results. The most-cited published study has 61 citations.

144Trials tracked
14Phase 3 & 4
0Recruiting
4With published results
Phase distribution
Phase 4 9 Phase 3 5 Phase 2 49 Phase 1 13 Other / NA 68
  1. Phase 3 Comparing Treatments for HIV-Infected Opioid and Alcohol Users in an Integrated Care Effectiveness Study Completed · 61 cited
  2. Phase 4 Alcohol Disorder hOsPital Treatment Trial Completed · 18 cited
  3. Phase 4 Neural Mechanisms of Disulfiram Effects Completed · 12 cited
  4. Phase 3 Pharmacogenetic Treatment With Anti-Glutaminergic Agents for Comorbid PTSD & AUD Completed · 4 cited
  5. Phase 4 Serotonin Selective Reuptake Inhibitor Treatment of Dual Diagnosis Post-traumatic Stress Disorder and Alcohol Problems Completed
  6. Phase 4 Paroxetine for Comorbid Social Anxiety Disorder and Alcoholism Completed
Show 44 more trials
  1. Phase 4 Ondansetron for Bipolar Disorder and Alcohol Use Disorders Completed
  2. Phase 4 Extended-release Naltrexone and Care Management for Alcohol Dependent Frequent Emergency Department Users Completed
  3. Phase 4 Clinical Medication Development for Bipolar Disorder and Alcohol Use Disorders Completed
  4. Phase 4 Pharmacogenomics and Pharmacometabolomics of Acamprosate Treatment Outcome Completed
  5. Phase 4 Alcohol Research Consortium in HIV-Intervention Research Arm Completed
  6. Phase 3 Zonisamide Treatment of Alcohol Use Disorder: an Evaluation of Efficacy and Mechanism of Action Completed
  7. Phase 3 Dutasteride Treatment for Reducing Heavy Drinking in AUD: Predictors of Efficacy Completed
  8. Phase 3 Lemborexant Augmentation of Naltrexone for Alcohol Craving and Sleep Completed
  9. Phase 2 Effect of Endotoxin on Alcohol Consumption Completed
  10. Phase 2 PPARγ Agonist Treatment for Cocaine Dependence Completed
  11. Phase 2 Cannabidiol as a Treatment for AUD Comorbid With PTSD Completed
  12. Phase 2 Manipulating Ghrelin Signaling Via GOAT Inhibition in Alcohol Use Disorder Completed
  13. Phase 2 Semaglutide for Alcohol Use Disorder Completed
  14. Phase 2 Modafinil for the Treatment of Alcohol Use Disorders Completed
  15. Phase 2 Enhancing the Effects of Alcohol Treatment With Lamotrigine Completed
  16. Phase 2 HORIZANT (Gabapentin Enacarbil Extended-Release Tablets) for the Treatment of Alcohol Use Disorder Completed
  17. Phase 2 Oxytocin, Alcohol Craving, and Intimate Partner Aggression Completed
  18. Phase 2 Human Laboratory Study of ASP8062 for Alcohol Use Disorder Completed
  19. Phase 2 A Novel Human Lab Model for Screening AUD Medications Completed
  20. Phase 2 Naltrexone for Individuals of East Asian Descent Completed
  21. Phase 2 Medication Development for Protracted Abstinence in Alcoholism: CORT118335 Versus Placebo Completed
  22. Phase 2 N-Acetylcysteine for Adolescent Alcohol Use Disorder Completed
  23. Phase 2 Pregabalin as Treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder Completed
  24. Phase 2 Gabapentin for Alcohol Relapse Prevention Completed
  25. Phase 2 Medication Development in Alcoholism: Apremilast Versus Placebo Completed
  26. Phase 2 Ibudilast and Withdrawal-Related Dysphoria Completed
  27. Phase 2 Effects of Cannabidiol in Alcohol Use Disorder Completed
  28. Phase 2 Pilot Human Lab Study of Lacosamide in Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) Completed
  29. Phase 2 Combining Varenicline and Naltrexone for Smoking Cessation Completed
  30. Phase 2 Intranasal Oxytocin for the Treatment of Alcohol Use Disorder Completed
  31. Phase 2 A Study of ALKS 3831 in Subjects With Schizophrenia and Alcohol Use Disorder Completed
  32. Phase 2 Harm Reduction With Pharmacotherapy (HaRP) Completed
  33. Phase 2 Human Laboratory Study of Varenicline for Alcohol Use Disorder Completed
  34. Phase 2 INIA Stress and Chronic Alcohol Interactions: Glucocorticoid Antagonists in Heavy Drinkers Completed
  35. Phase 2 Ibudilast for the Treatment of Alcohol Use Disorder Completed
  36. Phase 2 Prazosin and Naltrexone (PaN) Study for Veterans With Alcohol Use Disorders Completed
  37. Phase 2 Oxytocin Suppresses Substance Use Disorders Associated With Chronic Stress Completed
  38. Phase 2 Development of Ivermectin for Alcohol Use Disorders Completed
  39. Phase 2 Examining Alcohol Consumption, Perceptions, and User Experience of Alcohol Moderation Strategies Completed
  40. Phase 2 Effects of Pioglitazone on Stress Reactivity and Alcohol Craving Completed
  41. Phase 2 Effects of Cortical Dopamine Regulation on Drinking, Craving, and Cognitive Control Completed
  42. Phase 2 Oxytocin and Stress Response in Alcohol Use Disorder Completed
  43. Phase 2 Medication Development for Opioid and Alcohol Abuse Completed
  44. Phase 2 St. PETERsburg Pain and Alcohol Intervention With Naltrexone and Nalmefene Completed

Showing the 50 most-cited and recently-updated of 144 trials. Browse the full registry →

Trial data sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. Counts describe the research landscape and are not a treatment recommendation. Informational only — not medical advice.

What the trials found Updated — new results For clinicians

Alcohol Use Disorder: what the trials found

Pharmacological interventions for Alcohol Use Disorder include several established options. Oral naltrexone (PO-NTX) demonstrated a reduction in heavy drinking days by -46.4% and -38.4% over 3 months 12. Extended-release naltrexone was also evaluated, with results showing specific metrics for treatment initiation, retention on pharmacotherapy, and HIV viral suppression 21.

Other established pharmacological agents include disulfiram 13, acamprosate, which showed a mean of 81 to 82.5 days until first heavy relapse 15, and ondansetron 18. Additionally, extended-release naltrexone combined with care management (XR-NTX+CM) was associated with lower heavy drinking days and higher quality of life scores compared to a control group 17.

Counseling for alcohol pharmacotherapy resulted in a reduction in Audit-C scores 14. Other agents investigated include lemborexant 1, paroxetine 19, and sertraline, the latter of which showed no significant difference in heavy drinking days or PTSD symptom scores compared to its comparator 20.

A combination of pregabalin plus BBCET was evaluated; however, it did not show statistically significant differences in heavy drinking days or PTSD cluster symptoms 22.

Recent results — preliminary, needs further review

  • BPL-003 showed no clinically significant abnormal laboratory tests (0%) or vital signs (4%) among participants 2.
  • Standardized kudzu was evaluated for its impact on binge drinking days 3.
  • Gamified Personalized Normative Feedback did not show statistically significant changes in daily drinking at 4, 9, or 12 months 5.
  • Active rTMS showed a borderline significant result for the number of participants who abstained from alcohol (p=0.05), but no significant differences were found in glutamate concentration or cortical volume 10.
  • Behavioral Activation (BA) did not show statistically significant changes in alcohol use, PTSD severity, or psychosocial functioning 7.

For the clinician treating this condition

  • Oral naltrexone and extended-release naltrexone (with or without care management) are established options for reducing heavy drinking days.
  • Acamprosate and disulfiram are established pharmacological interventions for managing alcohol use.
  • Counseling specifically regarding pharmacotherapy is associated with improved Audit-C scores.

AI synthesis of 16 cited trials, updated Jun 23, 2026. Informational only — not medical advice; trial data sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. How we use AI.

HCP Mode — summaries include clinical detail, trial data, and statistical outcomes.
Patient Mode — summaries use plain language, avoiding clinical jargon.
Shared gray matter volume reductions in ventromedial prefrontal cortex and insula across schizophrenia, MDD, and AUD
Psychiatry Meta-analysis
Shared gray matter volume reductions in ventromedial prefrontal cortex and insula across schizophrenia, MDD, and AUD Shared Brain Structure Changes Link Schizophrenia, Depression, and Alcohol Use
This meta-analysis of imaging data identifies shared gray matter volume deficits in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex, ventral anterior cin…
New research identifies shared gray matter reductions in the brain for people with schizophrenia, depression, and alcohol use disorders.
medRxiv Oct 20, 2026
AI and machine learning tools show potential for screening and managing substance use disorders
Psychiatry Sys. Review
AI and machine learning tools show potential for screening and managing substance use disorders Artificial intelligence shows promise in managing substance use disorders
This narrative review explores the role of artificial intelligence and machine learning in managing alcohol, opioid, and cannabis use disord…
New data shows that artificial intelligence tools can help reduce hospital readmissions and relapse risks for people struggling with alcohol…
Frontiers Sep 22, 2026
Digitally augmented intervention increases 6-month abstinence from health-risk behaviors by RR 1.51
Primary Care & Family Medicine RCT
Digitally augmented intervention increases 6-month abstinence from health-risk behaviors by RR 1.51 Text Messages After ER Visit Cut Risky Habits
This randomized controlled trial of 572 adults in an emergency department found that a digitally augmented, theory-based intervention signif…
A 6-month program of phone advice plus weekly messages helped more ER patients cut back on smoking, drinking, or inactivity.
Sep 12, 2026
Age over 50 and alcohol use are risk factors for severe orlistat-induced liver injury
Drug Pipeline Sys. Review
Age over 50 and alcohol use are risk factors for severe orlistat-induced liver injury Risk Factors for Liver Injury Linked to Orlistat Use
This systematic review of case reports examines the clinical spectrum and risk factors for orlistat-induced liver injury (OILI). The analysi…
Specific risk factors like age and alcohol use may increase the chance of severe liver issues in patients taking the weight loss medication …
Frontiers Jul 25, 2026
TMS targeting the ventral attention network may address heterogeneity in alcohol use disorder with depression
Neurology Sys. Review
TMS targeting the ventral attention network may address heterogeneity in alcohol use disorder with depression New target for brain stimulation in alcohol and depression
This mini review explores transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) targeting the ventral attention network (VAN) for individuals with alcohol…
A new focus on the ventral attention network could help create more precise treatments for people facing both alcohol use disorder and depre…
Frontiers Jul 23, 2026
Mini review notes elevated substance use in sexual minority women compared to heterosexual women
Psychiatry Sys. Review
Mini review notes elevated substance use in sexual minority women compared to heterosexual women Substance use is higher among sexual minority women than heterosexual women
This narrative mini review examines substance use patterns in sexual minority women (SMW) versus heterosexual women. The authors synthesize …
A review shows substance use is more common among sexual minority women. Bisexual women face the highest risk. This review highlights the ne…
Frontiers May 7, 2026
Return to drinking occurs in 22% of alcohol-associated hepatitis patients within 90 days of recovery
Gastroenterology RCT
Return to drinking occurs in 22% of alcohol-associated hepatitis patients within 90 days of recovery Study tracks return to drinking in patients recovering from alcohol-associated hepatitis
A combined RCT and prospective observational analysis of 518 patients with alcohol-associated hepatitis found 21.7% returned to drinking wit…
About one in five patients recovering from alcohol-associated hepatitis return to drinking within 90 days, with higher education levels lowe…
Apr 8, 2026
Excessive Alcohol Use Associated with Deaths and Years of Life Lost in US Population
Infectious Disease
Excessive Alcohol Use Associated with Deaths and Years of Life Lost in US Population How many lives does excessive drinking cut short in the US?
An observational report examined the impact of excessive alcohol use on deaths and years of potential life lost in the United States populat…
A new report counts the deaths and years of life lost in the US caused by excessive alcohol use.
CDC Apr 6, 2026
Observational Report Notes Increase in Alcohol-Related Deaths in US Population
Infectious Disease
Observational Report Notes Increase in Alcohol-Related Deaths in US Population Report shows increase in alcohol-related deaths in the United States in recent years
An observational report on the US population found the average annual number of deaths from excessive alcohol use increased from 2016-2017 t…
Deaths from excessive alcohol use in the United States rose between 2016 and 2021, signaling a growing public health concern.
CDC Apr 5, 2026
Observational report finds inconsistencies and disparities in alcohol screening for pregnant persons
OB/GYN & Women's Health
Observational report finds inconsistencies and disparities in alcohol screening for pregnant persons Report finds inconsistencies in alcohol screening for pregnant people across U.S. regions
An observational report from 24 U.S. jurisdictions found inconsistencies and disparities in alcohol screening and brief intervention among p…
A new report reveals inconsistent alcohol screening and counseling for pregnant people across 24 U.S. states and territories.
CDC Apr 4, 2026
Report describes alcohol and substance co-use among pregnant females in the United States
OB/GYN & Women's Health
Report describes alcohol and substance co-use among pregnant females in the United States Report examines alcohol and substance use patterns among pregnant people in the US
An observational report describes alcohol and substance co-use among pregnant females aged 12-44 years in the United States.
A new report looks at how often pregnant people in the US use alcohol and other substances together, aiming to clarify current trends.
CDC Apr 4, 2026
School-based resilience interventions reduce adolescent tobacco, alcohol, and illicit substance use
Pediatrics Meta-analysis
School-based resilience interventions reduce adolescent tobacco, alcohol, and illicit substance use School resilience programs linked to lower substance use in students
A meta-analysis of school-based studies in students aged 6-18 years found resilience interventions were associated with reduced substance us…
School resilience programs that teach coping skills are linked to lower tobacco, alcohol, and drug use among students aged 6 to 18.
Apr 2, 2026

Questions about Alcohol Use Disorder

What is the impact of excessive alcohol use on years of life lost in the US population?

Excessive alcohol use causes about 178,000 deaths and 2.8 million years of potential life lost annually in the US, with rates increasing in recent years.

Full answer →

All Alcohol Use Disorder Articles