Using brain stimulation to reduce cravings and improve control in people with substance use disorders

Modification of Inhibitory Control and Craving Through Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) as an Add-On Treatment for Substance Use Disorder

This study is testing if a type of brain stimulation can help people with alcohol use disorder feel less cravings and have better control during their detox treatment.

Quick facts

• Phase: NA
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 162 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years to 65 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Central Institute of Mental Health, Mannheim (other)
• Locations: 2 sites (Mannheim and 1 other locations)
• Trial ID: NCT06959342 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This project investigates the use of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to enhance inhibitory control and reduce cravings in individuals with substance use disorders, particularly focusing on alcohol use disorder. Participants aged 18 to 65 undergoing detoxification treatment will receive different tDCS protocols, including active and sham conditions, to determine the most effective settings for improving treatment outcomes. The study will assess cognitive performance through neuropsychological testing and EEG recordings to identify optimal stimulation parameters. The goal is to enhance the effectiveness of standard detoxification treatments by integrating tDCS as an adjunctive therapy.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 18 to 65 with a primary diagnosis of alcohol use disorder who are undergoing detoxification treatment.

Not a fit: Patients with severe psychiatric comorbidities or those currently experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to improved treatment outcomes, including longer periods of abstinence and reduced substance use after relapse.

How similar studies have performed: While there are conflicting findings regarding tDCS effectiveness in substance use disorders, this study aims to clarify its potential benefits, making it a novel approach in this area.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* main diagnosis: alcohol use disorder according to DSM-5
* patients of any gender aged 18 to 65
* normal vision or correctable visual impairment.
* sufficient ability to communicate verbally and in writing
* ability to give fully informed consent after reviewing thorough written information

Exclusion Criteria:

* withdrawal of consent
* severe internal, neurological, or psychiatric comorbidities (e.g., lifetime schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or other severe mental disorders according to ICD-10 and DSM-5, such as severe depression or PTSD within the last 12 months).
* Exclusion criteria for an EEG/tDCS examination (e.g. metal implants in the head, epilepsy, etc.)
* severe withdrawal symptoms (CIWA-R \> 7)
* alcohol intoxication (breath alcohol concentration \> 0 ‰)
* Pharmacotherapy with psychoactive substances within the last 14 days (exceptions: clomethiazole or benzodiazepines used in withdrawal treatment, provided they were discontinued at least 3 days prior; antidepressants or anxiolytics taken at stable doses).
* drug or alcohol use within the last 7 days
* for women: pregnancy
* suicidal tendencies or danger to others

Where this trial is running

Mannheim and 1 other locations

• Central Institute of Mental Health — Mannheim, Germany (RECRUITING)
• Psychiatrisches Zentrum Nordbaden (Psychiatric Center Nordbaden) — Wiesloch, Germany (NOT_YET_RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Sabine Vollstädt-Klein, PhD

Conditions: Alcohol Use Disorder, Substance Use Disorders, Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation, tDCS, Inhibition Training, Electroencephalography, EEG, Inhibitory Control