Exploring decision-making in chronic pain and alcohol use disorder
Decision Making in Chronic Pain and Alcohol Use Disorder
This study is testing whether two new treatments, one that helps you think about positive future events and another that uses ultrasound on the brain, can help people with chronic pain and alcohol use disorder make better decisions and feel better overall.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 10 (estimated) |
| Ages | 21 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Roanoke, Virginia) |
| Trial ID | NCT05901610 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effects of two interventions, Episodic Future Thinking (EFT) and Low-intensity Focused Ultrasound (LIFU), on individuals suffering from chronic pain and alcohol use disorder. Participants will undergo a series of sessions where they will engage in EFT, which involves imagining positive future events, alongside LIFU, which applies ultrasound pulses to the brain. The study aims to measure changes in chronic pain, alcohol valuation, craving, and decision-making before and after each intervention. By comparing these interventions to control conditions, the study seeks to understand their potential therapeutic effects.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 21 and older who report chronic pain and meet the DSM-V criteria for alcohol use disorder.
Not a fit: Patients with unmanaged medical or psychiatric conditions, or those with contraindications to MRI or CT, may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide new therapeutic strategies for managing chronic pain and alcohol use disorder.
How similar studies have performed: While the combination of EFT and LIFU is relatively novel, similar approaches have shown promise in addressing chronic pain and addiction in other studies.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. 21 years old or older 2. Report chronic pain 3. Have sufficiently stable self-reported mental and physical health in order to complete the survey 4. Meet DSM-V clinical criteria for alcohol use disorder (i.e., four or more criteria) 5. Not have unmanaged medical or psychiatric conditions the survey Exclusion Criteria: 1. Claustrophobia (scanning environment may be uncomfortable) 2. Contraindications to MRI: including pacemaker, aneurysm clips, neurostimulators, cochlear implants, metal in eyes, steel worker, or other implants. 3. Contraindications to CT: pregnancy 4. Active medical disorder or treatment with potential CNS effects (e.g. Alzheimer's) 5. History of neurologic disorder (e.g. Parkinson's, Epilepsy, or Essential Tremor) 6. History of head injury resulting in loss of consciousness for \>10 minutes 7. Failure to provide a Social Security Number or Tax ID number. This is required for tax purposes.
Where this trial is running
Roanoke, Virginia
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC — Roanoke, Virginia, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Warren K Bickel, PhD — Virginia Polytechnic and State University
- Study coordinator: Kirstin Gatchalian
- Email: kmgatch@vt.edu
- Phone: 540-526-2071
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.