University at Buffalo (UB)
Translating addictions research into effective treatments
Info For People with an Alcohol Problem
We're between clinical trials
We are not enrolling new participants at this time. Please see our referral list for information about local treatment options.
If you want to get sober and make positive changes in your life, the UB Behavioral Health Clinic’s no-cost program is designed to help you.
On this page:
Do you have a drinking problem?
If you think you have a drinking problem, we encourage you to take the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) — a brief screening tool developed by the World Health Organization to assess alcohol consumption, drinking behaviors and alcohol-related problems.
What is 1 drink?
- 12-ounce (5%) can or bottle of beer
- 5-ounce (12%) glass of wine
- 1½ ounces (80 proof) of hard liquor (e.g., vodka, whiskey, etc.) either straight or in a mixed drink
Count how many of these symptoms apply to you, and refer to the chart below.
- Alcohol is often taken in larger amounts or over a longer period of time than intended. There is a persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control alcohol use.
- A great deal of time is spent in activities necessary to obtain the alcohol, use the alcohol or recover from its effects. Craving, or a strong desire to use alcohol.
- Recurrent alcohol use resulting in failure to fulfill major role obligations at work, school or home. Continued alcohol use despite having persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated by the effects of alcohol.
- Important social, occupational or recreational activities are given up or reduced because of alcohol use. Recurrent alcohol use in situations in which it is physically hazardous.
- Continued use despite knowledge of having a persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problem that is likely to have been caused or exacerbated by opioids.
- Tolerance, as defined by either a need for markedly increased amounts of alcohol to achieve intoxication or desired effect, or markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of an alcohol
- Withdrawal, as manifested by either of the following: the characteristic alcohol withdrawal syndrome, or the same (or a closely related) substance is taken to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms
| If you said "yes" to: | Your drinking problem may be: |
|---|---|
| 2-3 symptoms | Mild |
| 4-5 symptoms | Moderate |
| 6 or more symptoms | Severe |
See if you may qualify for our program
You may be eligible for the UB Behavioral Health Clinic's research-based treatment program if you:
- Have a problem with alcohol
- Are 18 years or older
- Live in commuting distance of the city of Buffalo
- Are seeking treatment on your own (not mandated by the legal system because of a DWI or other issues)
To find out if you qualify, please contact us at 716-887-3353.
If you are not eligible for a clinical trial at UB's Behavioral Health Clinic, we will offer you a referral.
Available at no cost
Clinical trial treatment services at the UB Behavioral Health Clinic are provided at no cost to participants. You do not need personal insurance.
What to expect
At the UB Behavioral Health Clinic:
- Treatment typically includes six to 12 sessions of 60-90 minutes each
- Appointments available from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. with evening hours by appointment. Telehealth sessions are currently offered due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Sessions typically include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Follow-up support (including referrals) is available for participants who complete the program
Frequently Asked Questions
A clinical trial is a research study where one or more participants are assigned to one of several treatments to evaluate the effects of those treatments on health-related or behavioral outcomes.
Treatment is available at no cost to you.
While the treatment you receive may differ from others who enroll in a clinical trial, our current clinical trials include active or “real” treatment for every person in the study.
Yes. While AA is not a requirement of receiving treatment with us, we support people’s decision to attend AA and other self-help groups. We believe such support is an important part of recovery.
All of our current studies use individual treatment sessions. No group treatment is available at this time.
While there are several medications available to help those experiencing problems with alcohol, medications are not available as part of our current clinical trials. However, you may wish to speak with your primary care physician to see if medication is right for you. Individuals who receive medication as part of their treatment may still be eligible to participate in our clinical trials.
"Great program, and without it I would not be sober or where I am today.” — Darius
"A very structured approach that is easy to follow."
"This program has been very helpful. I am glad I came."