Can a magnetic helmet curb alcohol cravings in veterans?
NCT ID NCT03191266
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tested whether a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) could help veterans with alcohol use disorder stay sober for six months. Forty-nine veterans who were already in treatment received either real or sham rTMS. Researchers then tracked their alcohol use monthly to see if the stimulation improved abstinence rates.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS)
What this could lead to
If it works, this could offer a non-invasive, safe treatment option to help veterans with alcohol use disorder maintain long-term sobriety.
What could go wrong
This was a small, early-stage study with only 49 participants, so results may not apply broadly. The treatment may not be more effective than a placebo, and long-term benefits are uncertain.
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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Locations
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VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA
Palo Alto, California, 94304-1207, United States