Can zapping the brain curb alcohol cravings? new trial aims to find out

NCT ID NCT07442786

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tests whether repeated sessions of a gentle brain stimulation technique called tDCS can help people with alcohol use disorder drink less. Over 12 weeks, 312 participants will receive either real or sham tDCS in 5-day clusters each month. The goal is to see if this approach reduces the number of heavy drinking days.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS)

What this could lead to

If it works, this could offer a non-drug option to help people with alcohol use disorder reduce heavy drinking without requiring abstinence.

What could go wrong

This is an early-stage trial testing a new schedule of tDCS. Previous similar studies showed only modest effects, so the improvement may be small or not clinically meaningful.

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 alcohol dependence

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • CHU Dijon Bourgogne

    Dijon, 21000, France

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••