Zapping the brain to fight alcoholism: a new hope?
NCT ID NCT07755046
First seen Aug 10, 2026 · Last updated Aug 11, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This trial tests whether repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), a non-invasive brain stimulation technique, can help adults with alcohol use disorder when added to their usual treatment. Nine adults will receive 10 sessions of stimulation over the right frontal brain area. Researchers will measure drinking severity, mood, cravings, and quality of life before, right after, and at one and three months, along with brain scans to see if connections change. The study has no comparison group, so it cannot prove the stimulation causes any changes.
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), a non-invasive brain stimulation treatment
- What this could lead to
- If rTMS proves effective, it could offer a new, non-invasive add-on treatment to help people with alcohol use disorder reduce drinking and cravings.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very small early study with no comparison group, so any improvements might not be due to the stimulation. Results may not apply to a wider population.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for ALCOHOL USE DISORDER (AUD) are added.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
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
Locations
-
Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taiwan
Taichung, Taiwan, 407219, Taiwan
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Can a psychedelic compound help veterans and first responders with PTSD and alcohol use disorder?
- Rewiring the brain to fight alcohol cravings?
- Can cash rewards and a breathalyzer app help people stay sober?
- Could a brain hormone curb alcohol cravings and lift depression at the same time?
- Mindfulness may help tame alcohol cravings by reconnecting body and mind
- Brain training may help prevent alcohol relapse after withdrawal