Rewiring the brain to fight alcohol cravings?
NCT ID NCT07746154
First seen Aug 04, 2026 · Last updated Aug 05, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This pilot study tests a short brain training program called EEG neurofeedback in adults with alcohol use disorder. Over about one week, participants complete three sessions where scalp sensors record brain activity and provide real-time feedback to help them lower alpha brain waves. The main goal is to see if the training is easy to complete and well tolerated, and to explore whether it might reduce alcohol cravings and drinking.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- EEG neurofeedback targeting alpha brain waves
- What this could lead to
- If this brain training approach proves feasible and shows promise, it could lead to a non-drug therapy to help people with alcohol use disorder manage cravings and reduce drinking.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very small pilot study with only 10 participants, so results may not apply broadly. The training is brief, and any effects on cravings or drinking are uncertain and need larger trials to confirm.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 10 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Expected to start
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Aug 2026
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
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Feb 2028
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 to 65 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: Adults ages 18-65 Meets DSM-5 criteria for current Alcohol Use Disorder Willing and able to provide informed consent Participants must report alcohol consumption within the past 30 days. Not requiring inpatient withdrawal management at the time of enrollment Exclusion Criteria: History of epilepsy or seizure disorder (excluding uncomplicated alcohol withdrawal seizures) Current psychosis, mania, or acute suicidality, or any psychiatric condition that would impair the ability to provide informed consent or safely participate Acute alcohol intoxication at the time of study visits (as determined by breathalyzer) Pregnancy or breastfeeding Implanted electronic medical devices or metal in the head (excluding dental work), if incompatible with EEG procedures Severe cognitive impairment interfering with informed consent or participation Any medical or psychiatric condition that, in the opinion of the investigators, would make participation unsafe or interfere with study procedures
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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.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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