RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT06949423

Assessing the Impact of dTMS on Neural Targets Associated With Alcohol Use Disorder

Accessing the Impact of Deep TMS Neuromodulation on Neural Circuits Associated With Alcohol Use Disorder

Sponsor

Stanford University

Enrollment

100 participants

Start Date

Dec 17, 2025

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)Transcranial Magnetic Stimilation

Summary

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of deep transcranial magnetic stimulation as a treatment for Veterans with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) to decrease the exceedingly high rate of relapse associated with this condition.

Eligibility

Min Age: 18 YearsMax Age: 75 Years

Inclusion Criteria7

Age 18-75.
Current DSM-5 diagnosis of moderate to severe AUD (\≥4 diagnostic symptoms).
Ability to obtain a Motor Threshold (MT) will be determined during the screening process.
Has an adequately stable condition and environment to enable attendance at scheduled clinic visits.
Able to read, understand and voluntarily sign the Informed Consent Form prior to participating in any study-specific procedures or assessments.
If on a medication regimen for comorbid symptoms, that regimen will be stable for the duration of the study and patient will be willing to remain on this regimen during the treatment phase.
Fluency in English.

Exclusion Criteria11

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contraindications: such as a cardiac pacemaker, cochlear implant, or an implanted device (deep brain stimulation, metal in the head, metal in the body, claustrophobia, pregnant or breastfeeding or other ferromagnetic device/objected in the head and body within 30 cm of the treatment coil.
General medical condition, disease or neurological disorder that interferes with the assessments or participation.
Unable to safely withdraw, at least two weeks prior to treatment, from medications that increase seizure risk.
Current substance abuse (except caffeine or nicotine) as determined by positive toxicology screen.
Have a mass lesion, cerebral infarct, or other active CNS disease, including an alcohol-related seizure or a seizure disorder.
A recent suicide attempt (defined as within the last 30 days) or presence of current suicidal plan or intent. Patients at risk for suicide will be required to establish a written safety plan involving their primary therapist before entering the study.
Severe impediment to vision, hearing and/or hand movement, likely to interfere with the ability to follow study protocols.
Greater than mild traumatic brain injury (defined as greater than 10 minutes loss of consciousness).
Taking benzodiazepine or neuroleptic medications, or any medication known to alter seizure threshold
Acute or unstable chronic illness.
Current or lifetime history of bipolar disorder or psychosis

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Interventions

DEVICEDeep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (dTMS) H7 coil - Active

The study will utilize the H7 coil to administer active Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (dTMS) to the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC), a core salience network node.

DEVICEDeep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (dTMS) H7 coil - Sham

The study will utilize an identical protocol using the H7 coil to administer a sham condition.