Eligibility Details:
Inclusion Criteria:
1. Self-reported anal or vaginal sex in the prior three months while under the influence
of alcohol
2. at least one binge-drinking (five or more drinks on a single occasion for men; four or
more drinks for women) session per week in the prior three months
3. having an AUD by DSM-5 SCID criteria (includes hazardous and harmful use)
4. interested in reducing binge alcohol consumption
5. HIV negative by rapid antibody test or HIV positive with a medical record
documentation of HIV infection*
6. no current acute illnesses requiring prolonged medical care
7. no chronic illnesses that are likely to progress clinically during trial participation
8. able and willing to provide informed consent and adhere to visit schedule
9. age 18-70 years
10. baseline CBC, total protein, albumin, glucose, alkaline phosphatase, creatinine, BUN,
and electrolytes without clinically significant abnormalities as determined by study
clinician in conjunction with symptoms, physical exam, and medical history.
(*Note: Participants newly diagnosed with HIV at screening are eligible for the study but
research team will postpone their enrollment for at least one month after their diagnosis.)
Exclusion Criteria:
1. Any psychiatric (e.g., depression with suicidal ideation) or medical condition that
would preclude safe participation in the study
2. known allergy/previous adverse reaction to kudzu
3. current CD4 count < 200 cells/mm3
4. moderate/severe liver disease (AST, ALT > 5 times upper limit of normal)
5. impaired renal function (creatinine clearance < 50 ml/min)
6. currently participating in another intervention research study with potential overlap
7. current moderate to severe substance-use disorder (exclusive of nicotine) as
determined by DSM-V SCID criteria
8. any condition that, in the principal investigator and/or study clinician's judgment
interferes with safe study participation or adherence to study procedures
9. not having a cell phone that can send and receive text messages.
Pharmaceutical medication involved
Patients and healthy individuals accepted
