Sound waves against addiction: ultrasound trial targets alcohol cravings

NCT ID NCT06518785

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: University of California, San Francisco Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026

Summary

This study tests whether low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) can safely calm overactive brain areas linked to alcohol cravings. Twenty-five adults with alcohol use disorder will receive LIFU while researchers monitor side effects and measure brain activity changes with fMRI. The goal is to see if this non-invasive technique can reduce the brain's response to alcohol cues.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Low-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (LIFU)
What this could lead to: If successful, this could point toward a non-invasive brain stimulation treatment to help people with alcohol use disorder reduce cravings and regain control.
What could go wrong: This is a very early, small safety study with only 25 participants, so results may not apply widely. The treatment is still experimental and may not effectively change drinking behavior.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

alcohol abuse substance-related disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

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

ALCOHOL USE DISORDER

Contacts and locations

Locations

University of California, San Francisco
RECRUITING

San Francisco, California, 94143, United States

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