Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Towards a Targeted Ultrasound Neuromodulation Intervention for Alcohol Abuse Disorders

This study is looking into a new treatment for alcohol use disorder, where someone struggles to control their drinking. It involves using a special kind of sound wave, called focused ultrasound (TUS), which is directed at specific parts of the brain. These brain areas are thought to play a role in why people develop compulsive behaviours and addiction, like craving alcohol. Researchers want to find out if this sound wave treatment is safe and if it can help people reduce their symptoms of alcohol use disorder. They also hope it might improve their ability to make better choices and have more control over their drinking habits. This could offer a new option for those who haven't found existing treatments helpful enough.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of Plymouth

Enrolment target

Start

20 Apr 2025

Estimated completion

20 Sep 2026

Alcohol Use Disorder

What is this study about?

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a serious condition where people find it very difficult to control their drinking, even when it causes problems in their life. It's much more than just drinking too much; it's a medical condition that affects the brain and how it works. In the UK, AUD affects many people and can lead to significant health and social issues.

Currently, there are various treatments available, but researchers are always looking for new and more effective ways to help. This study is exploring an exciting new approach called transcranial focused ultrasound stimulation (TUS). Imagine sound waves, similar to those used in ultrasound scans, but specifically focused on tiny areas of the brain. Scientists believe that by gently influencing these particular brain areas – which are involved in things like decision-making, habits, and how we react to rewards – they might be able to help reset some of the brain pathways that contribute to AUD.

The main goal of this research is to see if TUS is a safe treatment and if it can actually make a difference for people with AUD. By carefully studying how TUS affects brain activity and whether it helps reduce symptoms and improve a person's ability to control their drinking, the researchers hope to develop a new, non-invasive treatment option. This could be a significant step forward for those living with alcohol use disorder.

Key takeaways

This study explores a new, non-invasive brain treatment for alcohol use disorder.
It uses gentle sound waves to target brain areas linked to craving and control.
The main goals are to check its safety and how well it reduces symptoms.
Participation involves six appointments for treatment and assessments.
Eligibility has specific age limits, medical history requirements, and lifestyle rules.
You can stop participating at any time without affecting your healthcare.

Who may be eligible?

To be part of this study, you need to be a man or woman between 21 and 60 years old and speak fluent English. You also need to have been diagnosed with alcohol use disorder by scoring at least 20 on a standard questionnaire, called the AUDIT. It's really important that you are willing to give your informed consent, meaning you understand what the study involves and agree to take part, and that you can commit to attending all six planned appointments.

There are some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you've had a serious head injury or brain surgery, or if you or your close family members have ever had epilepsy or seizures. People with other serious neurological (brain) or psychiatric (mental health) conditions, except for alcohol use disorder itself, also can't take part. It's important that you don't have certain medical devices like a pacemaker or metal in your head or body. You also can't be pregnant or planning a pregnancy during the study.

Leading up to each study visit, there are a few other things to consider. You shouldn't have had more than four alcoholic drinks in the last 24 hours, or used recreational drugs or certain antibiotics. The research team will go through all of these points with you in detail to make sure the study is safe for you.

Quick self-check

Are you between 21 and 60 years old?
Have you been diagnosed with alcohol use disorder?
Have you *never* had serious head trauma, brain surgery, or epilepsy?
Do you *not* have a pacemaker or any metal implants in your head or body?
Are you *not* pregnant or planning pregnancy during the study?
Can you commit to attending all six study appointments?

This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you will need to attend six appointments in total. During these appointments, the researchers will use gentle sound waves, called focused ultrasound (TUS), to stimulate specific areas of your brain. This treatment is non-invasive, meaning it doesn't involve surgery or needles. Throughout the study, you'll have different assessments to see how the treatment is affecting you. This might include questionnaires about your drinking habits and feelings, as well as tests to measure your brain activity or decision-making skills. The researchers will closely monitor your safety and well-being at every step. You won't be given any medication as part of the study intervention itself, but it's important to discuss any medication you are currently taking. The total duration of your involvement will cover these six sessions.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might offer potential benefits, such as helping you reduce symptoms of alcohol use disorder and gain better control over your drinking. However, as this is a new treatment, there is no guarantee it will be effective for everyone. There may be some risks involved, though the focused ultrasound method is generally considered safe. Any potential side effects will be fully explained to you before you agree to take part, and your safety will be closely monitored throughout. Remember, taking part is completely voluntary, and you are free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your future medical care.

Locations (1)

Health
Plymouth, United Kingdom

Common questions

What exactly is 'focused ultrasound'?

It's like using very precise sound waves, similar to those in an ultrasound scan, but aimed carefully at specific parts of your brain.

Will I feel anything during the treatment?

You might feel a mild sensation on your scalp, but it's generally not painful. The research team will explain what to expect.

Is this a cure for alcohol use disorder?

This is a study to see if focused ultrasound can help reduce symptoms and improve control. It's not guaranteed to be a cure, but it could lead to new treatment options.

How many times will I need to visit?

You would need to attend six appointments in total for the study.

Can I still take my regular medication?

You should discuss all your current medications with the research team. Some medications might affect your eligibility or how the treatment works.

How to find out more

Elsa Fouragnan, PhD

elsa.fouragnan@plymouth.ac.uk 7703335897 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.