Brain zapping study halted early: could it have helped heavy drinkers think more flexibly?

NCT ID NCT06634771

Terminated Knowledge-focused Sponsor: University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested whether a single session of non-invasive brain stimulation (alpha-tACS) could change brain activity and help people break habits. Researchers compared the stimulation to a fake (sham) version in healthy adults and those with a history of heavy drinking. The study was terminated early and only enrolled 7 people, so no firm conclusions can be drawn.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS)
What this could lead to: If successful, this could point toward a non-invasive way to improve behavioral flexibility, potentially helping people with addiction or impulse control issues.
What could go wrong: This was a very small, early-stage study that was terminated before completion. Results may not be reliable or generalizable. The intervention is experimental and not proven to work.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

BEHAVIORAL FLEXIBILITY HEALTHY VOLUNTEERS HIGH RISK ALCOHOL USE

Contacts and locations

Locations

University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599, United States

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