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.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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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
Locations
-
CHU Dijon Bourgogne
Dijon, 21000, France