Active Research Studies

Interested to see if our studies might be a good fit for you?

Visit our online screener to see if you may be eligible today or you can contact the lab by phone (843-792-4357) or e-mail. 

COPE Study

The COPE Study is recruiting veterans between the ages of 18 and 70 years old who have experienced trauma and drink alcohol. This study is investigating the impact of the medication Oxytocin paired with 12-weeks of COPE talk therapy in the treatment of PTSD and alcohol use. Compensation is provided for participation and this study can be completed via telehealth.

If you are interested, you can take our online screener.

For more information, please contact:

• Study Coordinator: Angela Zaur
  • Phone: 843-792-6578
• Research Assistant: Roisin Cahill
  • Phone: 843-792-2522
  • Email: cahillr@musc.edu

START Study

MUSC is seeking couples who drink alcohol and experience couple conflict for a research study involving a smartwatch and mobile app. Both members of the couple must be willing to participate in order to be eligible. Couples will be compensated for their time. Information is kept strictly confidential. 

For more information, please contact:

• Research Assistant: Morgan Thomas
  
  • Phone: 843-977-2026
  • Email: thomamor@musc.edu

POET Study 

The POET Study is recruiting veterans between the ages of 18 to 70 years old with Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The study involves 10 weekly therapy sessions for PTSD, in combination with an investigational medication (Oxytocin) or inactive placebo. 

For more information, please contact: 

• Study Coordinator: Chris DeLeon
  • Phone: 843-259-2857
  • Email: deleonc@musc.edu

Sex Differences in Opioid Use Disorder

Currently enrolling men and women for a study examining the effects of early childhood adversity on reactivity to stress and reactivity to stress and opioid cues. This study involves 2 visits and 1 follow up visit. Compensation is provided.

For more information, please contact

• Study Principal Investigator: Delisa Brown, Ph.D.
  •  Phone: 843-792-2388

CIRCUITS Study

CIRCUITS is a study that was started to identify ways to develop better treatments for people who are experiencing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and have concerns about their alcohol use. We do this by examining brain scans using an MRI machine. CIRCUITS study participants complete two visits. During the first visit, participants answer questions and fill out surveys. During the second visit, participants complete a scan of their brain as they look at various images in an MRI machine. The CIRCUITS study is recruiting individuals who: 1) have experienced psychological trauma or have PTSD; 2) have concerns about their alcohol use; 3) have experienced psychological trauma/PTSD and have concerns about their alcohol use; and 4) have not experienced psychological trauma/PTSD and do not have concerns about their alcohol use.

For more information, please contact:

• Study Principal Investigator: Amber Jarnecke, Ph.D. 
  • Phone: 843-876-3115
  • Email: circuitsstudy@musc.edu.