Using a wearable device to reduce stress and anxiety in people with alcohol use disorder
Official title: Treating stress and anxiety in individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD) using a combination of TRPV-1 channel and C-tactile fiber activation with measurement of oxytocin and cortisol levels
Funded at Soovu Labs INC · NIH-10917870 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new wearable device that helps reduce stress and anxiety for people dealing with alcohol use disorder by gently stimulating nerves in the skin, and it will check how well it works by looking at both physical markers and how participants feel.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Soovu Labs INC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $385,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R43AA031638-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10917870 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with alcohol use disorder who experience significant stress and anxiety.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have alcohol use disorder or those who do not experience anxiety and stress may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a wearable medical device designed to alleviate stress and anxiety in individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD). The device works by stimulating specific nerve fibers in the skin that are linked to feelings of comfort and wellbeing, as well as channels that modulate the stress response. The study will first identify the most effective stimulation parameters and then conduct a proof of concept to test the device's efficacy in reducing anxiety and stress levels in participants. By measuring biological markers like oxytocin and cortisol, the research aims to correlate physiological responses with subjective feelings of anxiety and stress relief.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a novel, non-pharmacological treatment option for individuals struggling with alcohol use disorder by helping to manage stress and anxiety, potentially reducing relapse rates.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using wearable devices for stress and anxiety management is gaining traction, this specific combination of stimulation techniques is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in this context.
Where this research is happening
-
Soovu Labs INC
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chabal, Charles — Soovu Labs INC
- Study coordinator: Chabal, Charles
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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.