A clinical trial is a research study that uses human volunteers to answer specific health questions. Carefully conducted clinical trials offer an efficient and safe way to find treatments that work in people and improve health. There are two general types of clinical trials:

  • Interventional – These trials test whether experimental treatments or new ways of using known therapies are safe and effective in controlled environments.
  • Observational – These trials examine health issues in large groups of people or populations in natural settings.

At NIAAA, the Division of Intramural Research conducts clinical trials for the treatment of alcoholism, which take place at the NIH Clinical Center.  Through grants, NIAAA also funds clinical trials at institutions around the country.

We actively recruit volunteers to participate in NIAAA trials at the NIH Clinical Center. Participants in clinical trials benefit from:

  • Gaining access to new research treatments before they are widely available
  • Playing a more active role in their own health care
  • Helping others by contributing to medical research

Participants in NIAAA clinical studies also receive:

  • Standard treatment for alcoholism
  • Motivational and cognitive behavior therapies
  • Group and family counseling
  • Option to attend AA or other self-help groups

Learn more about NIAAA Clinical Research Trials that are actively recruiting participants at NIH.

Learn more about Clinical Research Trials that NIAAA supports at institutions around the country.

For more information, or to find out if you are eligible, please call 301-496-1993 and a social worker will be glad to help you. If you are deaf or hard of hearing use the Federal Relay Service at 1-800-877-8339.

Sources: http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/info/understand

http://www.niaaa.nih.gov/research/niaaa-intramural-program/clinical-trials-and-niaaanih

http://clinicalstudies.info.nih.gov/cgi/protinstitute.cgi?NIAAA.0.html

http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/?path=/browse/by-sponsor/NIH/NIAAA&recruiting=true