Actively Recruiting
Deep Brain Stimulation to Understand and Treat Addiction
Led by University of Cambridge · Updated on 2026-03-24
9
Participants Needed
2
Research Sites
121 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
U
University of Cambridge
Lead Sponsor
C
Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
This study is testing whether deep brain stimulation (DBS) can safely help people with severe alcohol use disorder who have not improved with standard treatments. DBS uses small electrical signals to change activity in brain areas linked to craving, self-control, and emotion. The study will test whether this treatment can reduce how often people drink and how much they drink each day. Researchers will also record brain activity to better understand how DBS affects craving and relapse.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
Deep Brain Stimulation to Understand and Treat Addiction
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Adults aged 18 to 60 years
- Diagnosed with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) according to DSM-5 criteria
- Primary diagnosis of treatment-refractory AUD
- AUD duration of 5 years or more
- At least 3 unsuccessful attempts at achieving abstinence
- Failed prior psychotherapy and standard pharmacotherapy for AUD
- Medically and neurologically suitable for surgery and MRI-compatible
- Able to provide informed consent and willing to follow study procedures
You will not qualify if you...
- Severe psychiatric disorder other than Alcohol Use Disorder (e.g., schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder)
- Severe major depressive disorder (moderate depression acceptable)
- Current active suicidal thoughts or history of serious suicide attempts
- Previous treatment with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
- Presence of implanted electrical devices such as pacemaker, defibrillator, vagus nerve stimulator, or other neurostimulation devices
- Significant neurological history including stroke or major neurological illness
- Any significant medical condition increasing surgical or anesthetic risk
- Current pregnancy
- Contraindications to DBS or neurosurgery including inability to tolerate general anesthesia, bleeding risks, coagulopathy, current or past anticoagulant use
- Uncontrolled hypertension (controlled with medication allowed)
- Stage 4 liver cirrhosis
- History of major cardiac arrhythmia or need for anti-arrhythmic medication
- History of cardioversion
- History of repeated falls or major head injury
- Marked cognitive impairment
- Seizure history including multiple alcohol withdrawal seizures
- Marked cortical atrophy on neuroimaging
- Inadequate logistical or social support affecting safe DBS therapy and follow-up
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Trial Site Locations
Total: 2 locations
1
Cambridge University Hospitals (Addenbrooke's Hospital)
Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom, CB2 0QQ
Actively Recruiting
2
King's College Hospital
London, Greater London, United Kingdom, SE5 9RS
Actively Recruiting
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
DOUBLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
CROSSOVER
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
4
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