Dartmouth Seeks Volunteers For New Alcoholism Treatment Study
Addiction Research Center is enrolling volunteers in a new research study.
LEBANON, NH -- The Dartmouth Addiction Research Center is enrolling volunteers in a new research study of a medication that may help problem drinkers overcome alcohol use disorders.
The study is seeking 40 participants over the next two years and is intended for heavy alcohol drinkers over the age of 21 who want to reduce or quit drinking.
Alcohol use disorder affects nearly 16.6 million people in the United States and results in an estimated $223.5 billion economic loss each year. "There is a need for more interventions to treat people with alcohol use disorders," said Dr. Alan I. Green, Chairman of the Department of Psychiatry and Principal Investigator of the Dartmouth site of this study. "More treatment options could help minimize the negative consequences felt by people with alcohol problems, as well as the negative impact alcohol use disorder has on their families, their workplaces, and society."
Dartmouth is one of 10 sites participating in this trial sponsored by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism and will take a leading role in implementing the trial of the medication Horizant® (gabapentin enacarbil). Studies such as this are part of Dartmouth-Hitchcock's goals to improve population health and reduce the costs of healthcare in the region. Horizant is not FDA approved for the treatment of Alcohol Use Disorder. Horizant is FDA approved for treating moderate-to-severe restless leg syndrome and in managing pain caused by adult shingles. Research has suggested it may also be helpful for heavy drinkers. This study will help doctors to know whether Horizant is effective for alcoholism treatment. Not all study participants will receive Horizant, some study participants will receive placebo (no medication).
Eligible participants will receive a careful medical assessment, regular doctor visits at no cost, study pills, and a computer-based behavioral intervention to encourage positive changes in their drinking. The Dartmouth Committee for the Protection of Human Subjects has reviewed this study.
Participants may refer themselves to the program or with the help of a doctor or counselor. If you or someone you know is interested in learning more, please contact the Dartmouth Addiction Research Center at 844-299-5499.
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