Measuring Effects of Alcohol on Brain Chemistry

Study Summary

Background: \- Studies show that alcohol changes the amount of many brain chemicals. These changes may be related to continued drinking, craving for alcohol, and relapse. This study will use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to look at brain areas and brain chemistry during an infusion of alcohol. It will also study how changes in brain chemistry relate to participant reports of feeling drunk. Objectives: \- To use magnetic resonance imaging to measure the effect of alcohol on brain chemistry Eligibility: * Individuals between 21 and 45 years of age. * Participants will be either light drinkers (1 to 14 standard alcoholic drinks per week) or heavy drinkers (20 to 40 standard alcoholic drinks per week). A standard drink is a 12-ounce beer, a 4-ounce glass of wine, or a shot of liquor. * Participants must be able to go without alcohol for at least 3 days in a row without severe withdrawal symptoms. Design: * This study requires two or three outpatient visits to the NIH Clinical Center. * Participants will have a physical exam and medical history. Blood and urine samples will be collected. Participants' alcohol drinking habits will also be assessed to determine whether they may have an alcohol use disorder. * At the first study visit, participants will have an infusion of alcohol. Blood samples will be collected to measure blood alcohol levels. * The MRI study visit will take place about 3 days after the first study visit. Participants will have an MRI scan of the brain, followed by an infusion of alcohol and another scan. Blood samples will be collected. * Participants will complete questionnaires before and after each infusion to measure their response to alcohol. * Heavy drinkers will come to the clinic for a third visit to discuss possible future treatment and any risky behavior associated with their high levels of alcohol use.