Ear stimulation device may tame alcohol withdrawal symptoms
NCT ID NCT06771037
First seen Aug 05, 2026 · Last updated Aug 06, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tests whether a wearable device that sends tiny electrical pulses to the ear — a method called transcutaneous auricular neurostimulation (tAN) — can help people going through alcohol withdrawal. The device targets the vagus and trigeminal nerves, which may influence withdrawal symptoms like cravings, anxiety, and sleep problems. Over five days, participants entering inpatient treatment for alcohol withdrawal will be randomly assigned to receive either the active device or a sham (inactive) device, alongside standard care. Researchers will track withdrawal severity, use of comfort medications, cravings, sleep, and mood to see if the device makes a difference.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Transcutaneous Auricular Neurostimulation (tAN) — a wearable device that delivers small electrical pulses to the ear to stimulate the vagus and trigeminal nerves.
- What this could lead to
- If effective, this non-invasive device could offer a drug-free way to ease alcohol withdrawal symptoms, reducing the need for comfort medications and improving the detox experience.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small early-stage trial, so results may not be conclusive. The device may not outperform a sham (placebo) device, and individual responses can vary.
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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12 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Apr 2025
- Finished
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Dec 2025
- 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.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Ages 18 years old to 65 years old 2. Entering an inpatient substance use treatment program for alcohol withdrawal management. 3. Score a 27 or higher on the WHO-ASSIST V3.0 4. Is proficient in English 5. Score of a 4 or higher on the Prediction of Alcohol Withdrawal Severity Scale (PAWSS) 6. Able to provide written informed consent. 7. Stated willingness to comply with all study procedures and availability for the duration of the study. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Age \< 18 or \> 65 2. Requires medical tapering from benzodiazepines or opioids. 3. Has a history of epileptic seizures or seizures due to alcohol withdrawal. 4. Has a cardiac pacemaker, cochlear prosthesis, neurostimulator or other device for which tAN® would be contraindicated. 5. Has abnormal ear anatomy or an ear infection is present. 6. Is pregnant. 7. Has any serious medical disease or condition which, in the judgment of the Principal Investigator or his/her designee, would make study participation unsafe, or would make intervention compliance difficult.
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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
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Caron Treatment Centers
Wernersville, Pennsylvania, 19565, United States
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