Welcome to the Drugs and Sex Hormones Study
This study examines how drug effects are altered by female sex hormones.
Why?
Women are more vulnerable than men to the habit-forming effects of alcohol and other drugs (including licit and prescribed medications), and there is evidence that this is related to the actions of estrogen and progesterone in the brain. Also, current interventions and treatments for problematic substance use are based on research in men, so they are often less effective for women. Taking part in this study will help us understand how changes in estrogen and progesterone (e.g., across the menstrual cycle, use of oral contraceptives) alter drug effects and motivation to use drugs. The findings may also help us to develop new approaches to help women control substance use that are based on women's specific health needs.
What is involved?
This is an in-person study conducted at our research center located at 1603 W Taylor (Near West Side, Chicago, Il). Visits are scheduled at your convenience, and we are open on weekends. There is one 60-minute enrollment visit ($20) and six 3.5-hour study sessions with drug administration ($65 each). During the study sessions, you’ll consume capsules that may contain active drug* or placebo (sugar pill). Every 30 min, we'll monitor your heart rate and blood pressure, and you'll rate any drug effects using questionnaires (measures take about 10 min). When not completing study measures, you can relax in our comfortable rooms and watch television, work on your laptop, read, etc. (approx. 2h personal time per visit). *Drug information will be provided before you enroll in the study. All drugs administered in our studies are either licit or FDA-approved.
Will I be compensated for my time?
You'll receive up to $470 in compensation; $410 study fee, +$30-60 for completing computer tasks during sessions (hourly equivalent=$20/h). To protect your identity, payments are made in cash at each visit (enrollment visit=$20, study sessions=$65 each, computer tasks=$10-25 each).
How do I get involved?
If you are interested in participating in the study, please complete our pre-screening survey (linked below) to see if the study is a good fit for you. Your safety is our #1 priority, so we appreciate your honest responses. All information entered is kept strictly confidential and protected by a Certificate of Confidentiality (which prevents anyone, even the police and courts, from accessing our records). If you do not participate in the study, you can choose to remove your information. Thanks for your interest in our research. :)
