Using targeted brain stimulation to help treat alcohol use disorder
Official title: Developing Functional Connectivity-Guided TMS for Alcohol Use Disorder
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-10863674 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special treatment called transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) might help people with alcohol use disorder by reducing their cravings when they see things that remind them of drinking, and you could be part of it!
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $174,067 |
| NIH project number | 1K99AA031508-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10863674 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with alcohol use disorder who are seeking treatment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have alcohol use disorder or those who are not interested in participating in a clinical trial may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) as a targeted treatment for individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD). By applying electromagnetic pulses to specific areas of the brain, the study aims to reduce the brain's reactivity to alcohol cues, which is linked to relapse. The approach is based on previous findings that show a connection between brain activity and relapse rates in AUD patients. Participants may receive either real TMS or a placebo treatment in a controlled setting to assess the effectiveness of this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective, personalized treatments for individuals struggling with alcohol use disorder.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results with TMS in reducing relapse rates in alcohol use disorder, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mccalley, Daniel — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Mccalley, Daniel
Related research
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Functional Connectivity-Guided TMS for Alcohol Use Disorder
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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.