Alcohol and the Social Brain: An Alcohol-Administration Hyperscanning Study Employing a Within-Subject Design

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN · Aug 9, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This study is looking at how drinking alcohol affects the way people behave and interact with others. Researchers want to understand how alcohol changes brain activity and social feelings when people are either sober or have had a drink. To do this, participants aged 21 to 30 who regularly drink alcohol will come to the lab twice, about a week apart. In one visit, they will drink an alcoholic beverage, and in the other, a non-alcoholic (control) drink. The order is random, so some people will drink alcohol first, and others later. While they interact with another participant, their brain activity will be recorded using a safe, non-invasive test called EEG, which measures brain waves. They will also answer questions about their mood and how connected they feel socially.

People who want to join should be adults between 21 and 30 years old who regularly drink alcohol. However, individuals who have had bad reactions to alcohol before, have serious alcohol-related problems, take medicines that might not mix well with alcohol, have certain medical issues, or are pregnant (or trying to become pregnant) will not be able to participate. The study aims to help us better understand how alcohol influences social experiences and brain function, which could lead to improved ways to prevent and treat alcohol use problems in the future.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• 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