Zapping the vagus nerve during meditation may help fight alcohol cravings

NCT ID NCT06308484

Recruiting now Disease control Sponsor: Charite University, Berlin, Germany Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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

Summary

This study tests whether gentle brain stimulation (tVNS or CLAM-tACS) during mindfulness exercises can help people recovering from alcohol dependence stay sober. 140 detoxified patients will take part in a mindfulness-based relapse prevention program, with some receiving stimulation and others not. Researchers will track drinking behavior, cravings, and abstinence for up to three months after treatment.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) and closed-loop amplitude-modulated transcranial alternating current stimulation (CLAM-tACS)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a drug-free way to strengthen mindfulness-based relapse prevention for people recovering from alcohol dependence.
What could go wrong: This is an early-stage study with no phase designation, so results are uncertain. The interventions are experimental and may not improve abstinence rates or reduce cravings more than mindfulness alone.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

alcohol abuse alcohol dependence

As listed by the trial registrant

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

ALCOHOL DEPENDENCE

Contacts and locations

Locations

Charité - Berlin University of Medicine
RECRUITING

Berlin, State of Berlin, 10117, Germany

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