Can magnetic pulses to the brain curb alcohol cravings?
NCT ID NCT03809286
First seen Mar 28, 2026 · Last updated Jun 20, 2026 · Updated 12 times
Summary
This study tests whether a brain stimulation technique called deep rTMS can help people with alcohol use disorder drink less. Participants receive either real or sham rTMS over 3 weeks while staying in the hospital. Researchers measure changes in alcohol self-administration and cravings. The trial is currently suspended.
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This is a summary of
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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Contacts and locations
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Locations
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New York State Psychiatric Institute
New York, New York, 10032, United States
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 point toward a non-drug treatment to help people with alcohol use disorder drink less.
What could go wrong
This trial is small (44 people) and currently suspended, so results are uncertain. Previous rTMS studies reduced craving but not actual drinking.
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.