Modification of Inhibitory Control and Craving Through Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) as an Add-On Treatment for Substance Use Disorder

Launched by CENTRAL INSTITUTE OF MENTAL HEALTH, MANNHEIM · Apr 26, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is exploring a new treatment approach for individuals struggling with substance use disorders, particularly alcohol use disorder. The study is testing a method called transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), which involves applying a small electrical current to the scalp to see if it can help reduce cravings and improve self-control. Researchers will compare different tDCS settings and a placebo (sham tDCS) to find the best way to support patients during their detoxification process.

To be eligible for the trial, participants should be between 18 and 65 years old and diagnosed with alcohol use disorder. They need to be able to communicate well and give informed consent. However, people with severe mental health issues, certain medical conditions, or who have used alcohol or drugs recently may not be able to participate. Those who join the study can expect to receive standard detox treatment along with the tDCS sessions, which may help them manage cravings and improve their chances of staying sober after treatment.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • main diagnosis: alcohol use disorder according to DSM-5
• • patients of any gender aged 18 to 65
• • normal vision or correctable visual impairment.
• • sufficient ability to communicate verbally and in writing
• • ability to give fully informed consent after reviewing thorough written information
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • withdrawal of consent
• • severe internal, neurological, or psychiatric comorbidities (e.g., lifetime schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or other severe mental disorders according to ICD-10 and DSM-5, such as severe depression or PTSD within the last 12 months).
• • Exclusion criteria for an EEG/tDCS examination (e.g. metal implants in the head, epilepsy, etc.)
• • severe withdrawal symptoms (CIWA-R \> 7)
• • alcohol intoxication (breath alcohol concentration \> 0 ‰)
• • Pharmacotherapy with psychoactive substances within the last 14 days (exceptions: clomethiazole or benzodiazepines used in withdrawal treatment, provided they were discontinued at least 3 days prior; antidepressants or anxiolytics taken at stable doses).
• • drug or alcohol use within the last 7 days
• • for women: pregnancy
• • suicidal tendencies or danger to others