Investigating how brain stimulation affects cognitive issues from adolescent binge drinking

Effects of tACS on alcohol-induced cognitive and neurochemical deficits

['FUNDING_FELLOWSHIP'] · UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL · NIH-11035083

This study is looking at how binge drinking during the teenage years can affect the brain's ability to adapt to new situations, using rats to understand the problem better, with the hope of finding new ways to help young people who might be struggling with these issues.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_FELLOWSHIP']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL (nih funded)
Locations1 site (CHAPEL HILL, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11035083 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research explores the cognitive impairments caused by binge drinking in adolescents, particularly focusing on behavioral flexibility, which is the ability to adapt to changing situations. Using a rat model, the study examines how adolescent intermittent exposure to alcohol affects brain structures and functions. The researchers aim to identify the underlying neural mechanisms and test new treatment approaches that could help mitigate these cognitive deficits. By understanding these effects, the research seeks to provide insights into potential interventions for affected individuals.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents under 21 who have engaged in binge drinking behaviors.

Not a fit: Patients who have not experienced binge drinking or are over the age of 21 may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve cognitive function in adolescents who have experienced binge drinking.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding cognitive impairments related to alcohol use, but this specific approach using brain stimulation is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

CHAPEL HILL, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.