Research Centre: Monash University
Location: 770 Blackburn Rd, Clayton VIC 3168
Lead Researcher: Antonio Verdejo-Garcia
HREC: This study has been reviewed and approved by the Monash University Human Ethics Research Committee

Did you know that personalised treatments for Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) could revolutionise recovery success rates? That’s right! Researchers are on a mission to tailor biological interventions using advanced neuroimaging and neurostimulation techniques. By matching individuals to treatments based on their unique biotypes, researchers aim to significantly enhance treatment outcomes. Imagine a future where personalised care not only boosts recovery for those with AUD but also brings immense benefits to their families and communities.

Join this groundbreaking study at Monash University to be a part of this exciting journey. Researchers are diving deep into the science of neuroimaging to understand how they can develop personalised treatments that truly make a difference. If you or someone you know struggles with AUD, this is a unique opportunity to contribute to research that could change lives. Together, let’s pave the way for a future where everyone has access to more effective, personalised care.

Take the first step toward personalised treatment today. Sign up now to participate in this innovative study!

• Participants will be compensated up to $130 in gift vouchers for attending each in-person session; and up to an additional $300 in gift cards for completing additional daily surveys.
• Participants will be contributing valuable information that may benefit those with alcohol use disorder in the future.
• Participants will be helping to advance medical research.

• If you decide to participate in the study and later feel that you no longer wish to be part of it, you can withdraw at any time.
• Any information that you provide will be kept strictly confidential, except as required by law.
• Qualified professionals will monitor your health as it relates to the study.

• Men and women aged 18-49
• Participants must have consumed alcoholic beverages in the past 90 days.
• Participants must currently live in the Melbourne region.
• Participants must be able to take part in sessions at Monash University (Clayton campus).
• Participants must not have any serious mental disorders such as psychosis, schizophrenia, or bipolar disorder.
• Participants must not have a history of significant brain injury, seizures, epilepsy, neurodegenerative diseases, or any other serious neurological conditions as indicated by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment test.
• Participants must not be currently taking anti-craving medications (e.g., bupropion, naltrexone).
• Participants must not have any contraindications to MRI or brain stimulation, such as metal in the body, including non-removable piercings, an implanted device, claustrophobia, non-removable braces, or other conditions.
• Participants must not have previously had brain surgery.
• Participants must be willing to refrain from drinking alcohol 36 hours before the study session,
• Must be able to attend up to 2 study visits at the research site over approximately 1 month

You can read all the details about the study here. The study team will also explain the research in its entirety but some details are:

• Participants will be asked to complete online questionnaires reporting general demographic and health-related history and reflecting on alcohol-related behaviors and experiences (approximately 20 minutes).
• Participants will be asked to confirm eligibility through a standardised interview conducted via phone or Zoom at a convenient time (approximately 30 minutes), and if eligible, attend a pilot session at Monash University’s BrainPark to undergo a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, non-invasive brain stimulation, biological sample collection, and a cognitive assessment battery. During the MRI scan, participants will be required to complete an alcohol-craving task.

Monash University
Monash University is one of Australia’s leading research universities, with a strong focus on translational science. Our lab, the Addiction and Impulsivity Lab, is interested in better understanding the neural, cognitive, and social factors that contribute to addiction. We aim to use this knowledge to understand and test new methods of treating addictive disorders and other impulse control disorders.

Please note:
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the researchers would like to assure the participants that ensuring their and the study staff’s safety is of utmost importance.