This pilot study is a double-blind, placebo-controlled design, which will compare endotoxin (0.4ng/kg i.v.) to placebo (0.0ng/kg) in non-treatment seeking adults meeting criteria for DSM-5 alcohol use disorders (n=32 total, n=16 per group).~Eligibility screening consists of an intake session and a physical exam. Participants meeting eligibility criteria will be randomized to receive a single dose of 0.4ng/kg i.v. endotoxin or placebo during a single laboratory session to evaluate ad-libitum alcohol consumption.~During the laboratory session, endotoxin (or placebo) administration will precede a 2-hour alcohol self-administration period.~Participants will be scheduled for a follow-up appointment to evaluate drinking behavior.~Adverse events are evaluated during the laboratory session and follow-up, and will be tabulated.
For this protocol, the investigators plan to collect pilot data to examine the effect of endotoxin on drinking behavior in the human laboratory.