Gut bacteria may help tame alcohol cravings, new study suggests

NCT ID NCT05830708

First seen Jul 02, 2026 · Last updated Jul 02, 2026

Summary

This study investigates whether a daily probiotic supplement containing Lactobacillus bacteria can help reduce alcohol cravings, withdrawal symptoms, and the severity of alcohol use disorder in adult men. Participants take either the probiotic or a placebo for 12 weeks, and researchers track changes in cravings, mood, and inflammation markers. The goal is to see if improving gut health can support recovery from alcohol dependence.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

Lactobacillus sp. probiotic

What this could lead to

If effective, probiotics could offer a simple, low-cost way to help manage alcohol cravings and withdrawal, potentially improving treatment outcomes.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-stage trial with only 58 participants, so results may not apply broadly. Probiotics may have no effect on alcohol use disorder symptoms.

Disclaimer Read more

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.

alcohol abuse

As listed by the trial registrant

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

More trials for these conditions

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Second Affiliated Hospital of Henan Medical University

    Xinxiang, Henan, 453000, China