Actively Recruiting
Modification of Inhibitory Control and Craving Through Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) as an Add-On Treatment for Substance Use Disorder
Led by Central Institute of Mental Health, Mannheim · Updated on 2025-06-04
162
Participants Needed
2
Research Sites
157 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
C
Central Institute of Mental Health, Mannheim
Lead Sponsor
W
Wellcome Leap Inc.
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
The aim of this project is to investigate the potential of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to reduce cognitive deficits and substance craving in individuals with substance use disorders (SUD), with a focus on alcohol use disorder (AUD). Patients of any gender between the ages of 18 and 65 are examined who are in our inpatient and day clinic settings for a standard detoxification treatment program. As there are conflicting findings regarding the effective settings for tDCS as an adjunctive treatment in SUD (e.g., effects on inhibitory control seem to be sensitive to current direction), the aim is to examine and compare three different active tDCS conditions, a sham tDCS condition (placebo), inhibition training, and a control group of patients receiving only standard detoxification treatment. The aim is to identify the optimal electrode placement and current direction to positively influence both inhibitory control and craving, leading to improved treatment outcomes such as longer abstinence periods or reduced substance use after relapse.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
Modification of Inhibitory Control and Craving Through Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) as an Add-On Treatment for Substance Use Disorder
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Diagnosis of alcohol use disorder according to DSM-5
- Age between 18 and 65 years
- Normal vision or vision corrected to normal
- Able to communicate verbally and in writing
- Able to give informed consent after reviewing study information
You will not qualify if you...
- Withdrawal of consent
- Severe internal, neurological, or psychiatric disorders (e.g., lifetime schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, severe depression, PTSD within last 12 months)
- Presence of metal implants in the head or epilepsy preventing EEG/tDCS examination
- Severe withdrawal symptoms (CIWA-R score greater than 7)
- Alcohol intoxication (breath alcohol concentration greater than 0 ��)
- Use of psychoactive drugs within last 14 days (except certain withdrawal treatments and stable antidepressants or anxiolytics)
- Use of drugs or alcohol within last 7 days
- Pregnancy (for women)
- Suicidal tendencies or risk of harm to others
AI-Screening
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Trial Site Locations
Total: 2 locations
1
Central Institute of Mental Health
Mannheim, Germany, 68159
Actively Recruiting
2
Psychiatrisches Zentrum Nordbaden (Psychiatric Center Nordbaden)
Wiesloch, Germany, 69168
Not Yet Recruiting
Research Team
S
Sabine Vollstädt-Klein, PhD
CONTACT
S
Sarah Gerhardt, PhD
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
SINGLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
6
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