About 35% of Canadian youth engage in heavy-episodic drinking ("binge drinking”). This pattern of drinking is associated with risks to health and safety. Subjective responses to alcohol and heavy drinking during adolescence are critical in determining risk for alcohol use disorder. Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase (FAAH), breaks-down a cannabis-like chemical in the brain, has been linked with heavy drinking. It is unknown whether FAAH activity is affected during alcohol consumption.
Eligibility Criteria
To participate, you must:
- Be 19-25 years of age
- Regularly use alcohol
You may not qualify if you:
- Have an unstable medical condition
- Are currently being treated for any psychiatric disorders
- Have past or current neurological illness or head trauma
- Have metal implants in your body
- Are pregnant or breast feeding
- Have claustrophobia
- Currently (in the last month) use drugs or have a history of drug abuse or chronic cannabis use
- Have been exposed to radiation more than 4 times (in the past year)
- Have difficulty with needles
- Any serious allergic reactions
What does the study involve?
- Number of contacts: 4-6 visits
- Format of Study: In-person
- Compensation offered: Yes
Investigator(s): Dr. Isabelle Boileau
Full Study Title: Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase in Brain of Youth With High-risk Alcohol Use: Positron
Emission Tomography Studies With [11C]CURB.
Contact Information:
E-mail: BrainImagingStudy@camh.ca
REB number: 2025-031
REB Approval Expiry Date: September 5, 2027
PLEASE NOTE:
- Research staff cannot give medical advice over the phone or via email.
- If you have specific questions regarding your health care, please contact your family physician.
- We regret that not everyone screened for a study will be eligible to participate
- For more information about other treatment options for mental illness or addiction offered by CAMH, visit www.camh.ca or call 416-535-8501.