Using brain stimulation to help improve treatment outcomes for alcohol use disorder
Longitudinal investigation of TMS as a tool to improve alcohol treatment outcomes
This study is looking at how a safe and painless brain treatment called transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) might help people with alcohol use disorder drink less and stay sober, by seeing if real TMS works better than a fake version before their therapy sessions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wake Forest University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Winston-Salem, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10689853 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how non-invasive transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) can enhance treatment outcomes for individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD). Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either real or sham TMS targeting specific areas of the brain before their outpatient therapy sessions. The goal is to determine the most effective TMS strategies to reduce heavy drinking and promote abstinence. By focusing on the neural circuits involved in alcohol cue-reactivity, this study aims to provide a novel therapeutic approach for those seeking help with their alcohol consumption.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with alcohol use disorder who are actively seeking behavioral treatment.
Not a fit: Patients who are not seeking treatment for alcohol use disorder or those with contraindications for TMS may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment options for individuals struggling with alcohol use disorder, potentially increasing their chances of achieving and maintaining sobriety.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results using TMS for various conditions, suggesting that this approach may also be effective for alcohol use disorder, although it remains a relatively novel application.
Where this research is happening
Winston-Salem, United States
- Wake Forest University Health Sciences — Winston-Salem, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Addicott, Merideth a. — Wake Forest University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Addicott, Merideth a.
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 below.