Alcohol is associated with over 88,000 deaths annually and is the third leading cause of preventable death in the United States. We are working on developing novel interventions to prevent alcohol use disorders as well as understand the link between alcohol and other mental health disorders.
Ongoing Studies
Zambia Alabama HIV Alcohol Comorbidities Program (ZAMBAMA)
(MPIs: Karen Cropsey/Michael Vinikoor; P01AA029540)
The overall aims of the Zambia Alabama HIV Alcohol Comorbidities Program (ZAMBAMA) are to (Aim 1) test the effectiveness of a transdiagnostic model, Common Elements Treatment Approach (CETA), to reduce unhealthy alcohol use and improve HIV clinical outcomes in under-resourced HIV clinics, (Aim 2) evaluate the mechanisms through which CETA impacts HIV outcomes, (Aim 3) investigate whether the treatment effect of CETA varies by clinical (e.g., presence of comorbidities), demographic (e.g., gender) and/or contextual factors (e.g., Zambia, Alabama), and (Aim 4) examine implementation factors, including cost, related to integrated delivery of alcohol reduction interventions to disadvantaged people with HIV and unhealthy alcohol use at front- line HIV clinics.
Link to abstract in NIH ReporterLearn more about Karen CropseyLearn more about Michael Vinikoor
Acute Use of Alcohol and Attentional Bias towards Suicide: An Experimental Test of the Attention-Allocation Model
(PI: Caitlin Wolford-Clevenger; 1K23 AA028818-01)
This K23 Mentored Patient-Oriented Research Career Development Award will facilitate the candidate's long-term career goal of conducting patient-oriented research on the behavioral and affective consequences of alcohol use and alcohol use disorders, namely the impact of acute use of alcohol (AUA) on suicidal ideation, attempts, and deaths.
Link to abstract in NIH ReporterLearn more about Caitlin Wolford-Clevenger
3/3 ALCOHOL RESEARCH CONSORTIUM IN HIV – INTERVENTION RESEARCH ARM (ARCH-IRA)
(MPI: Dr. Karen Cropsey; Dr. Michael Mugavero; U01AA020802)
We are conducting an implementation science test of using a decision aid algorithm that will build upon our success with computerized brief intervention and integrate alcohol pharmacotherapies and other behavioral therapies within the routine treatment. Primary outcomes include reduced alcohol consumption and frequency, improved HIV outcomes, and improvement in comorbid conditions.
Link to abstract in NIH ReporterLearn more about Karen CropseyLearn more about Michael Mugavero
INVESTIGATING THE EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL AND SUBSTANCE USE DURING ADOLESCENCE USING MULTIMODAL NEUROIMAGING
(PI: Juliann Purcell; F31AA027137)
Juliann Purcell received an F31 grant from the NIAAA to support her dissertation research. Her project combines longitudinal data with a neuroimaging session to better understand the neural impact of adolescent alcohol and substance use. This project examines whether different patterns of adolescent alcohol and substance use are linked with differences in brain structure and function. For example, some youth begin using substances early and taper off as they get older, while others might not start using substances until later in adolescence or not at all. Ms. Purcell’s research aims to contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the impact of adolescent alcohol and substance use.
Link to abstract in NIH ReporterLearn more about Juliann Purcell Learn more about Sylvie Mrug
Zambia Common Elements Treatment Approach Pilot (ZCAP) Study
(MPI: Dr. Michael Vinikoor-UAB; Dr. Jeremy Kane-Columbia Univ.; R34AA027200)
In this individually randomized pilot trial, a promising transdiagnostic cognitive behavioral therapy, CETA (pronounced See-Ta; www.cetaglobal.org), is being evaluated in persons with HIV and unhealthy alcohol use in Zambia. In Zambia, where UAB has 4 full-time faculty members, 12% of adults are living with HIV, and 25% of adults with HIV have unhealthy alcohol use. Most individuals with unhealthy alcohol use have comorbid mental health or other substance use issues, providing a strong rationale for a transdiagnostic intervention. CETA was designed for delivery by lay (9-12th grade education) counselors, circumventing the scarcity of trained professionals (social work, psychology) in LMIC.
Link to abstract in NIH ReporterLearn more about Michael Vinikoor