Can imagining future events and brain zaps ease pain and cravings?

NCT ID NCT05901610

Terminated Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study looks at whether imagining positive future events (Episodic Future Thinking) and using low-intensity focused ultrasound on the brain can help people with both chronic pain and alcohol use disorder. Ten adults will try these interventions and report changes in pain, cravings, and decision-making. The goal is to understand how these approaches might influence behavior and pain perception.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Episodic Future Thinking (behavioral) and Low-intensity Focused Ultrasound (device)
What this could lead to: If successful, this could point toward new ways to help people with chronic pain and alcohol use disorder manage their conditions by changing how they think about the future.
What could go wrong: This is a very small, early study (10 people) that is currently suspended. It tests short-term effects only, so results may not lead to a real treatment.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

alcohol abuse Chronic Pain chronic pain syndrome

As listed by the trial registrant

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

ALCOHOL USE DISORDER CHRONIC PAIN

Contacts and locations

Locations

Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC

Roanoke, Virginia, 24016, United States

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