Zapping the brain to fight alcohol addiction: new pilot study

NCT ID NCT07227545

Not yet recruiting Disease control Sponsor: Shanghai Mental Health Center Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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

Summary

This pilot study will test whether a high-intensity brain stimulation device can help people with alcohol use disorder reduce their cravings and drinking. Eighteen adults will receive 20 sessions of stimulation over 10 days. Researchers will measure changes in cravings, drinking behavior, and withdrawal symptoms.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: high-intensity transcranial alternating current stimulation (HI-tACS) device
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a non-invasive brain stimulation treatment to help control alcohol cravings and reduce drinking.
What could go wrong: This is a very small pilot study with only 18 participants and no control group, so results may not be reliable or generalizable. The treatment is experimental and may not reduce cravings or drinking.

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

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

alcohol abuse

As listed by the trial registrant

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

ALCOHOL USE DISORDER (AUD)

Contacts and locations

Locations

Shanghai Mental Health Center

Shanghai, China

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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.