Vagus nerve stimulation to ease withdrawal and support recovery in Veterans with alcohol use disorder
Non-invasive vagal nerve stimulation as novel treatment to improve functionaloutcomes in Veterans with alcohol use disorder
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · VA SAN DIEGO HEALTHCARE SYSTEM · NIH-11206918
A non-invasive device that stimulates the vagus nerve aims to help Veterans with alcohol use disorder feel less withdrawal-related distress and lower their chance of relapse.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | VA SAN DIEGO HEALTHCARE SYSTEM (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SAN DIEGO, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11206918 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If you are a Veteran struggling with alcohol use disorder, this project will use a non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation (nVNS) device to try to calm the nervous system and reduce withdrawal-related symptoms. Researchers will deliver brief, external stimulation sessions and track changes in mood, physical withdrawal signs, and daily functioning over time. The team will compare symptom patterns and relapse-related outcomes before and after using the device to see if it helps restore balance in the body. Participation will likely include regular clinic visits for monitoring and symptom questionnaires.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are US military Veterans with alcohol use disorder who are experiencing withdrawal-related symptoms or are at high risk of relapse and can attend visits at the VA San Diego clinic.
Not a fit: People without alcohol use disorder, those not experiencing withdrawal symptoms, or those with medical implants or certain cardiac conditions may not receive benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could reduce withdrawal distress, support longer abstinence, and improve day-to-day functioning for Veterans with AUD.
How similar studies have performed: Early research shows non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation can ease anxiety, depression, pain, and some opioid withdrawal symptoms, but its use specifically for alcohol withdrawal and relapse prevention is a newer application.
Where this research is happening
SAN DIEGO, UNITED STATES
- VA SAN DIEGO HEALTHCARE SYSTEM — SAN DIEGO, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: KLAMING, RUTH — VA SAN DIEGO HEALTHCARE SYSTEM
- Study coordinator: KLAMING, RUTH
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.
Conditions: Alcohol withdrawal syndrome