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Led by Stanford University · Updated on 2026-05-15
100
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
Researchers are evaluating the use of deep transcranial magnetic stimulation dTMS as a treatment for Veterans with Alcohol Use Disorder AUD, aiming to reduce the high relapse rates common in this condition. This study focuses on targeting specific brain circuits, especially the salience network and dorsal anterior cingulate cortex dACC, which are linked to relapse risk. Previous studies have shown that modifying these brain areas may affect drinking behavior and improve outcomes. Participants will receive either active or sham dTMS using the H7 coil aimed at the dACC and medial prefrontal cortex mPFC. Treatments are given three times per day over 10 consecutive business days, totaling 30 sessions. Each session lasts about 30 minutes. The study compares the effects of active stimulation versus a sham procedure to assess changes in brain function and drinking behavior. During the study, participants will undergo brain imaging with fMRI to measure changes in dACC activation and salience network connectivity shortly after treatment. Drinking patterns will be tracked using the Timeline Followback method over three months after treatment. The researchers will monitor relapse status, alcohol consumption, and brain activity to evaluate treatment effects. The total participation period spans the treatment phase plus follow-up assessments to understand how long benefits may last.
CONDITIONS
Assessing the Impact of dTMS on Neural Targets Associated With Alcohol Use Disorder
S
Samantha J Ward, BS
E
Eileen G Fischer, BS
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Stanford University
Lead Sponsor
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
Collaborating Sponsor
This table compares participation in this trial with other options available for this condition. The information is drawn from published research and the trial’s study details and is provided for educational purposes only.
| Factors | Active Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation | Sham Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Active dTMS treatment using the H7 coil to deliver neuromodulation to the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex. | Sham dTMS treatment using the H7 coil following identical protocol but without active neuromodulation. |
| Role in trial | Intervention arm testing the effect of active neuromodulation on neural targets and alcohol use. | Control arm to assess treatment-specific effects by comparison with sham stimulation. |
| Primary use | Intended to modulate salience network activity and decrease alcohol use by targeting neural circuits implicated in addiction. | Serves as placebo control to assess the specific effects of neuromodulation versus expectation or nonspecific factors. |
| How it is given or performed | Administered using the H7 coil during clinic visits, with stimulation delivered to the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex. | Sessions mirror active protocol but stimulation is inactive; participants and staff are blinded to assignment. |
| Evidence status | dTMS targeting salience network is under clinical investigation for neural target engagement and reduction in alcohol use; prior pilot and sham-controlled trials in alcohol dependence show neural modulation and preliminary abstinence benefits. | Sham stimulation provides comparative evidence for placebo and nonspecific effects; has not been shown to alter neural targets or alcohol use directly. |
| Important limitations | Evidence for dTMS targeting salience network in Alcohol Use Disorder remains limited to pilot and small sham-controlled trials; clinical benefit, durability, and broader effectiveness require further validation. The intervention requires specialized equipment and clinic visits. | Sham stimulation may not fully account for all placebo or expectancy effects; effectiveness comparison depends on participant and assessor blinding. |
Disclaimer: This comparison is created with the help of artificial intelligence(AI) and may contain errors or missing information. It is not medical advice and does not mean one option is better or safer than another. Clinical trials are still being studied, and joining a trial is your choice. Please consult your healthcare professional before making any decisions.
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Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 10 consecutive business days
Participants receive 30 sessions of deep transcranial magnetic stimulation (dTMS) targeting the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC). Sessions are administered 3 times per day over 10 consecutive business days.
30 treatment visits (in-person)
Duration - 3 months post treatment
Participants are monitored after treatment to assess changes in brain function and drinking behavior over time.
Assessments at 1 to 4 days post treatment and at 3 months post treatment
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
QUADRUPLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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Lead Sponsor
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
Collaborating Sponsor
