Brain zaps for booze cravings? tiny trial halted early

NCT ID NCT06696365

Terminated Disease control Sponsor: Nicholas Balderston, PhD Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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

Summary

This study tested whether a type of brain stimulation called intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) could help people with alcohol use disorder reduce cravings and risky behavior during inpatient treatment. Only 2 people were enrolled before the trial was stopped early. The goal was to see if iTBS could change brain activity linked to alcohol cues and lower relapse risk, but the small size means 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 magnetic stimulation (TMS) using intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a non-drug brain stimulation treatment to reduce cravings and relapse risk for people with alcohol use disorder.
What could go wrong: This trial was terminated early and enrolled only 2 people, so results are very limited. It is unclear if iTBS is effective, and the approach is still experimental.

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

Caron Treatment Centers

Wernersville, Pennsylvania, 19565, United States

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