Sound waves against addiction: ultrasound trial targets alcohol cravings
NCT ID NCT06518785
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.
Disclaimer
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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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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
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Study contacts
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Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
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Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Locations
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University of California, San Francisco
RECRUITINGSan Francisco, California, 94143, United States
Contact
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Contact
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••