Effects of Ketone Supplementation on Alcohol Withdrawal and Brain Metabolism in Alcohol Use Disorder

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Able to communicate English and provide written informed consent
2. Meets current DSM-5 criteria for moderate or severe AUD and seeking treatment for AUD
3. Minimum 3-year history of heavy drinking (self-report).
4. Presence of alcohol withdrawal (DSM-5)

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Current DSM-5 diagnosis of a major psychiatric disorder (other than alcohol and nicotine use disorders) that would interfere with study procedures.
2. Major medical problems that could impact brain function or the use of a Ketone supplement (e.g., epilepsy or diabetes) as determined by history and physical exam.
3. Clinically significant laboratory findings that could affect brain function (e.g., HIV+)
4. Head trauma with loss of consciousness for more than 30 minutes,
5. Pregnant or breast-feeding
6. BMI greater than 35
7. Self-reported claustrophobia
8. Contraindications to MRI (e.g., metal in the body that cannot be removed).
9. Current, gastrointestinal (GI), liver or other clinically significant physical disease that may interfere with the intake of the Ketone Supplement based on medical history, and evaluation of the Study Physician.
10. Current significant withdrawal from other substances, including benzodiazepines, opioids that require medication management for withdrawal and may interfere with study results/withdrawal management plan.
11. Judged by the principal investigator, Study Physician, or their designee to be an unsuitable candidate for the study.