Effects of Pioglitazone on Stress Reactivity and Alcohol Craving (Pilot)

Effects of Pioglitazone on Stress Reactivity and Alcohol Craving (Pilot)

The purpose of this study is to assess the effect of pioglitazone on stress- and alcohol-related measures in treatment-seeking individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD) and elevated levels of stress and anxiety.

Inclusion Criteria:

• treatment-seeking individuals diagnosed with AUD diagnostic statistical manual 5 (DSM-5)
• fluent in English
• past month excessive alcohol use (>7 drinks/week for woman, >14 drinks/week for men, >3 drinks/occasion for women>4 drinks/occasion for men)14
• baseline Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A) or Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) core indicative of mild to moderate anxiety (score 8 to 23) or moderate stress (score 14 to 26), respectively
• increase in alcohol craving following the baseline stress reactivity assessment.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Individuals will be excluded for exhibiting severe scores on the HAM-A, PSS, or post-traumatic (PTSD) checklist (PCL-5) at the discretion of the admitting physician
• physical dependence on alcohol Alcohol Use Disorders Inventory (AUDIT) score indicative of severe alcohol dependence (≥13 for women, ≥15 for men)
• greater than mild substance use disorder on drugs other than alcohol, nicotine, and marijuana
• contraindications for taking pioglitazone; medical conditions contraindicating pioglitazone pharmacotherapy or taking contraindicated medications
• be pregnant, nursing, or planning on becoming pregnant during the course of the study
• have any other illness, condition, or use of medications, which in the opinion of the PI and/or admitting physician would preclude safe and/or successful completion of the study.