Zapping the vagus nerve during meditation may help fight alcohol cravings
NCT ID NCT06308484
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.
Disclaimer
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the original study
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Study contacts
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Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Locations
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Charité - Berlin University of Medicine
RECRUITINGBerlin, State of Berlin, 10117, Germany
Contact Phone: •••-•••-••••