Randomized controlled trials for alcohol use disorder during the COVID-19 pandemic

The novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) altered the logistics of ongoing randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The need to reduce in-person research and clinical activities, however, presented an additional level of complexity in order to continue conducting RCTs that focused on the development of medications for Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). The visits required a systematic objective evaluation from the physician and mental health professional and clinical staff, as many of the safety and efficacy assessments are self-reported. The following commentary addresses the successes and limitations our RCTs encountered during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.