Using brain stimulation to enhance psychotherapy for people with alcohol use issues
Official title: Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation to Boost the Efficacy of Motivational Interviewing
Run by The Mind Research Network · NCT04770025 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if adding brain stimulation to therapy can help people who struggle with alcohol use drink less and improve their overall treatment.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 2 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 21 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 75 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | The Mind Research Network Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Albuquerque, New Mexico) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 1, 2020 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2025 |
| Study ends | February 28, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | May 8, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT04770025 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are right-handed adults aged 21-60 who self-identify as having problematic drinking and meet specific criteria for risky alcohol use.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients currently engaged in treatment for alcohol use disorder or with certain neurological or psychological conditions may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This pilot study aims to evaluate the effects of transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) combined with motivational interviewing (MI) on individuals with problematic alcohol consumption. A total of 75 participants will be randomly assigned to receive either active tACS during MI sessions, sham stimulation during MI, or no stimulation in a delayed treatment group. The study will assess various outcomes, including alcohol use and brain activity through imaging techniques like magnetoencephalography (MEG) and MRI. The goal is to determine if brain stimulation can improve the efficacy of psychotherapy in reducing alcohol consumption.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly enhance the effectiveness of psychotherapy for individuals struggling with alcohol use disorder.
How similar studies have gone: While this approach is innovative, similar studies exploring brain stimulation in conjunction with psychotherapy have shown promising results.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria: * Self-identify as having problem drinking * Right-handed * Age 21-60 years * AUDIT score indicating risky drinking Exclusion criteria: * Left-handed or ambidextrous * Currently engaged in treatment for alcohol use disorder * Receiving treatment for alcohol use disorder within the prior 12 months * History of brain injury or neurological diagnosis * Evidence of current psychosis * Past-year substance use disorder other than alcohol, marijuana, or nicotine * Current or history of severe alcohol withdrawal * MRI/tACS contraindications including pregnancy * Impaired hearing (psychotherapy using American Sign Language is not possible within the scope of the proposed study) * Insufficient corrected visual acuity to complete the assessment instruments * Unable to read/speak English fluently * Unable to provide valid informed consent
Where it's running
-
The Mind Research Network
Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Jon M Houck, PhD
- Email: brainstim@mrn.org
- Phone: (505) 925-2372
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.