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Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (dTMS) for Alcohol Use Disorder

This study is testing a treatment called Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (dTMS) using an H7 coil for Veterans with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). The goal is to see if dTMS can help reduce relapse rates. You may be eligible if you are 18-75 years old, have a moderate to severe AUD diagnosis, and can attend clinic visits. Researchers will measure changes in brain activity (dACC activation) and how many days you abstain from alcohol or have heavy drinking days after treatment. The study aims to enroll 100 participants, but its current status is unclear.

Study design
This interventional study plans to enroll 100 participants. It uses both active dTMS and a sham (inactive) dTMS, likely to compare their effects.
What's involved
Not specified in the trial record.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Researchers will follow up on alcohol use for 3 months after treatment.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT06949423

Assessing the Impact of dTMS on Neural Targets Associated With Alcohol Use Disorder

Recruiting
NAAges 18–75InterventionalTreatment
Stanford University
~100 participants
Updated 2026-05-15 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (dTMS) H7 coil - ActiveDeep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (dTMS) H7 coil - Sham

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Change in Dorsal Anterior Cingulate Cortex Function (dACC) Activation During the FACES Task, Measured via fMRI
Measured over 1-4 days post treatment
+2 more outcomes measured

Conditions

Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)
Transcranial Magnetic Stimilation

Explore related trials

Alcohol use disorder

Where it's being run

1 sites across 1 states
California1

Study leadership

  • Claudia B Padula, PhD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · Stanford University
  • Michelle R Madore, PhD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · Stanford University

Who to contact

Samantha J Ward, BS
[email protected]
650-493-5000 · ext. 64975
Email the study team

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Do you actually qualify for this trial?

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

Age 18-75.
Current DSM-5 diagnosis of moderate to severe AUD (\≥4 diagnostic symptoms).
Ability to obtain a Motor Threshold (MT) will be determined during the screening process.
Has an adequately stable condition and environment to enable attendance at scheduled clinic visits.
Able to read, understand and voluntarily sign the Informed Consent Form prior to participating in any study-specific procedures or assessments.
If on a medication regimen for comorbid symptoms, that regimen will be stable for the duration of the study and patient will be willing to remain on this regimen during the treatment phase.
Fluency in English.

Exclusion

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contraindications: such as a cardiac pacemaker, cochlear implant, or an implanted device (deep brain stimulation, metal in the head, metal in the body, claustrophobia, pregnant or breastfeeding or other ferromagnetic device/objected in the head and body within 30 cm of the treatment coil.
General medical condition, disease or neurological disorder that interferes with the assessments or participation.
Unable to safely withdraw, at least two weeks prior to treatment, from medications that increase seizure risk.
Current substance abuse (except caffeine or nicotine) as determined by positive toxicology screen.
Have a mass lesion, cerebral infarct, or other active CNS disease, including an alcohol-related seizure or a seizure disorder.
A recent suicide attempt (defined as within the last 30 days) or presence of current suicidal plan or intent. Patients at risk for suicide will be required to establish a written safety plan involving their primary therapist before entering the study.
Severe impediment to vision, hearing and/or hand movement, likely to interfere with the ability to follow study protocols.
Greater than mild traumatic brain injury (defined as greater than 10 minutes loss of consciousness).
Taking benzodiazepine or neuroleptic medications, or any medication known to alter seizure threshold
Acute or unstable chronic illness.
Current or lifetime history of bipolar disorder or psychosis

What this trial measures

  • Change in Dorsal Anterior Cingulate Cortex Function (dACC) Activation During the FACES Task, Measured via fMRI1-4 days post treatment

    dACC activation to threat faces will be measured using fMRI during the FACES task, designed to assess emotional processing. Activation will be quantified as percent signal change from baseline (pre-treatment) to post-treatment scan.

  • Percentage of Days Abstinent from Alcohol, Assessed by Timeline Followback (TLFB)3-months post treatment

    Alcohol abstinence will be assessed using the TLFB structured interview method. The outcome will be calculated as the percentage of alcohol-free days out of the total number of days in the 3-month follow-up period post-treatment.

  • Percentage of Heavy Drinking Days, Assessed by Timeline Followback (TLFB)3 months post-treatment

    Heavy drinking days are defined as ≥5 drinks/day for men and ≥4 drinks/day for women within a 2-hour period. Self-reported data via TLFB used to calculate the percentage of heavy drinking days during the 3-month follow-up treatment.