Functional Connectivity-Guided TMS for Alcohol Use Disorder
Official title: Developing Functional Connectivity-Guided TMS for Alcohol Use Disorder
Funded at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai · NIH-11601597 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new approach uses targeted brain stimulation to help people with alcohol use disorder stay abstinent longer by focusing treatment on specific brain circuits.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $249,000 |
| NIH project number | 4R00AA031508-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11601597 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with alcohol use disorder who have experienced relapse or poor response to standard treatments and are seeking non-invasive brain-based therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without AUD or those who cannot undergo transcranial magnetic stimulation may not benefit from this approach.
What this research studies
This project aims to apply a brain-stimulation method called TMS, guided by brain connectivity, to strengthen neural circuits involved in craving and relapse in people with alcohol use disorder. By targeting the prefrontal cortex and its connected striatal regions, the study seeks to reduce reactivity to alcohol cues and improve treatment adherence. The work builds on prior findings that real TMS can double the odds of staying sober compared with sham, with the goal of making the brain-based treatment more precise and effective for individuals struggling with AUD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a more targeted, durable option to help people with AUD reduce relapse and maintain abstinence.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary TMS trials in AUD showed reduced cue-reactivity and higher abstinence rates compared with sham in some participants.
Where this research is happening
-
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mccalley, Daniel — Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
- Study coordinator: Mccalley, Daniel
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.