Alcohol and the Social Brain: An Alcohol-Administration Hyperscanning Study Employing a Within-Subject Design
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Summary
The study investigates the effects of alcohol consumption on social and individual behaviors using a within-subject design. Participants, aged 21-30, will attend two laboratory sessions approximately one week apart, participating as part of a dyad (pair). During one session, they will consume an alcoholic beverage, while in the other, they will receive a control beverage, with the order of conditions randomized. This design facilitates direct within-participant comparisons of behaviors and neural activity in intoxicated versus sober states. To achieve these aims, the study employs EEG technology to explore intra-brain and inter-brain dynamics during social interactions. Additionally, validated self-report questionnaires will capture data on mood, social bonding, and other psychological variables. The findings are expected to enhance understanding of alcohol's role in social reward processes and contribute to developing evidence-based prevention and intervention strategies for alcohol use disorder.
Description
Objective: Alcohol's ability to enhance social bonding and modulate mood in social contexts has been identified as a key factor contributing to its reinforcing properties and risk for Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). While prior research has demonstrated alcohol's role in enhancing social interactions, laboratory studies often fail to replicate the real-world context in which most alcohol consumption occurs-social settings with familiar companions. This discrepancy limits our understanding of the mechanisms through which alcohol exerts its effects in social contexts. This study is the first to em…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 21–30 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: * Between the ages of 21 and 30 * Regularly consumes alcohol Exclusion Criteria: * History of adverse reaction to the amount of beverage employed in the study * Have a history of major problems associated with alcohol * Take medications that could adversely interact with alcohol * Have medical conditions that contraindicate alcohol administration * Individuals with a history of skull fractures or who indicate discomfort with EEG procedures used * Female participant is pregnant or trying to become pregnant
Interventions
- DrugAlcohol beverage
This intervention involves the administration of an alcohol beverage (vodka mixed with juice or soda) in a controlled laboratory setting, targeting a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08%. The alcohol is consumed over a 36-minute period in three equal parts.
- OtherControl - non alcoholic beverage
This intervention involves the administration of a non-alcoholic control beverage in a controlled laboratory setting. The beverage is matched in volume and palatability to the alcohol condition but co
Locations (2)
- University of Illinois at Urbana ChampaignChampaign, Illinois
- University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignChampaign, Illinois