Using brain stimulation to reduce impulsive decisions after drinking.
Mitigating the Disinhibiting Effects of Alcohol With Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
We will test whether two types of noninvasive brain stimulation change decision-making and self-control after drinking in healthy young adults who regularly drink alcohol.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 12 (estimated) |
| Ages | 21 Years to 29 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Kentucky Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Lexington, Kentucky) |
| Trial ID | NCT07188376 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This within-subject experiment has each participant attend five separate sessions to receive intermittent theta burst (iTBS), continuous theta burst (cTBS), or sham stimulation combined with either an alcoholic or placebo beverage. Before and after drinking and stimulation, participants complete behavioral tasks that measure decision-making and impulse control to see how alcohol and different forms of TMS interact. The design directly compares iTBS (which typically increases cortical activity), cTBS (which typically decreases cortical activity), and sham stimulation in the same people. Results will show whether changing prefrontal activity can alter alcohol-related disinhibition.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Healthy adults aged 21–29 who are regular moderate alcohol drinkers, fluent in English, and who meet the study's health, BMI, and screening requirements.
Not a fit: People with alcohol use disorder, current or past psychiatric conditions, seizure history, certain implanted medical devices, pregnancy, or those outside the age/BMI ranges are unlikely to benefit or are ineligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a way to reduce risky or impulsive behaviors while people are intoxicated.
How similar studies have performed: Previous TMS research has demonstrated effects on prefrontal activity and impulsivity, but using iTBS/cTBS to counteract alcohol's acute disinhibiting effects is relatively novel and not yet proven.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 21-29 * Must be competent in English * BMI between 19 and 26 * At least a high school education * Moderate alcohol users (e.g., at least occasional alcohol use, without meeting criteria for alcohol use disorder) * Negative urine drug screen for illicit drugs * Negative urine pregnancy test (if applicable) on testing days Exclusion Criteria: * History of seizures or a first-degree relative with seizure history * History of head trauma or other CNS injuries * Current or past psychiatric disorders (including substance use disorder, except nicotine or caffeine) * Contraindications for non-invasive brain stimulation (e.g., metal implants, pacemaker) * Currently pregnant or breastfeeding * Current use of medications that lower seizure threshold * Positive alcohol withdrawal symptoms * Smokes more than five cigarettes per day (to avoid acute nicotine effects or withdrawal during visits)
Where this trial is running
Lexington, Kentucky
- University of Kentucky — Lexington, Kentucky, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Michael Wesley, PhD — University of Kentucky
- Study coordinator: Michael J. Wesley, Ph.D.
- Email: michael.wesley@uky.edu
- Phone: 18593231332
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.