Pilot Study of Brain Stimulation for Alcohol Use

This study is looking at whether a type of non-invasive brain stimulation called transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) can help people who want to reduce their drinking. Researchers will combine tACS with motivational interviewing, a type of counseling focused on helping you make changes. You might be able to join if you are between 21 and 60 years old, identify as having problem drinking, and are right-handed. The main goal is to see if tACS helps reduce heavy drinking days one month after the intervention. The study is currently unclear on its recruitment status.

Study design
This is a small, randomized study with 75 participants. Participants will be assigned by chance to one of three groups: active tACS with motivational interviewing, sham (inactive) tACS with motivational interviewing, or motivational interviewing alone.
What's involved
You would participate in a motivational interviewing session, which may include brain stimulation. Some participants will also have brain imaging (MEG and MRI) scans.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Your alcohol use will be reported one month after your intervention session.

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NCT04770025

A Pilot Study of Non-invasive Brain Stimulation to Boost the Efficacy of Psychotherapy in a Community Sample of People Who Drink Alcohol

Recruiting
PHASE2Ages 21–60Interventional
The Mind Research Network
~75 participants
Updated 2025-05-08 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:High-density transcranial alternating current stimulationSham stimulationMotivational interviewing

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Heavy drinking days
Measured over One month
Alcohol Use Disorder
1 sites across 1 states
New Mexico1

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Do you actually qualify for this trial?

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

Self-identify as having problem drinking
Right-handed
Age 21-60 years
AUDIT score indicating risky drinking

Exclusion

Left-handed or ambidextrous
Currently engaged in treatment for alcohol use disorder
Receiving treatment for alcohol use disorder within the prior 12 months
History of brain injury or neurological diagnosis
Evidence of current psychosis
Past-year substance use disorder other than alcohol, marijuana, or nicotine
Current or history of severe alcohol withdrawal
MRI/tACS contraindications including pregnancy
Impaired hearing (psychotherapy using American Sign Language is not possible within the scope of the proposed study)
Insufficient corrected visual acuity to complete the assessment instruments
Unable to read/speak English fluently
Unable to provide valid informed consent
  • Heavy drinking daysOne month

    Number of heavy drinking days in the prior 30 days