Deep Brain Stimulation to Understand and Treat Addiction
This study is exploring a new treatment called deep brain stimulation (DBS) for individuals with severe alcohol use disorder. This is for people who have tried other treatments without success. DBS involves using small electrical signals to gently adjust activity in specific parts of the brain that are linked to cravings, self-control, and emotions. Researchers want to find out if this treatment can safely help people drink less often and in smaller amounts. They will also carefully record brain activity during the study to better understand how DBS might work to reduce cravings and prevent a return to heavy drinking. The ultimate goal is to find better ways to support people struggling with severe alcohol use disorder.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study is looking into a new approach for people who have severe alcohol use disorder, sometimes called AUD. This is a serious condition where someone has trouble controlling their drinking, even when it causes problems in their life. It's a big health concern in the UK and worldwide, and unfortunately, many people struggle to stay sober even after trying different treatments.
Researchers believe that addiction can be linked to how certain parts of the brain communicate. This study is testing a treatment called Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS). DBS is already used for other conditions, like Parkinson’s disease and severe obsessive-compulsive disorder. It involves sending tiny electrical pulses to very specific areas of the brain. The idea is that these gentle pulses can help to rebalance brain activity, particularly in areas that control cravings, emotions, and your ability to make decisions.
In this study, doctors want to see if DBS can help people with AUD who haven't found success with standard treatments. They will be looking at whether DBS can reduce how often people drink and how much alcohol they consume. They will also be studying brain activity very closely to understand exactly how DBS affects feelings like craving and helps people avoid relapsing. This research aims to understand more about AUD and develop new, more effective ways to help people recover.
Key takeaways
- This study explores Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) for severe alcohol use disorder.
- It's for people who haven't found other treatments helpful.
- DBS uses small electrical signals to influence brain activity.
- The study aims to reduce drinking and understand brain changes.
- Participation involves surgery and different types of brain stimulation.
- It's important to discuss all aspects with the study team.
Who may be eligible?
To join this study, participants generally need to be adults between 18 and 60 years old and have a confirmed diagnosis of severe alcohol use disorder. This means your drinking has been a significant problem for at least five years, and you've tried to stop or reduce your drinking unsuccessfully at least three times, even with standard talking therapies and medications.
There are also some medical and health checks. You need to be healthy enough for surgery and able to have an MRI scan. We'll also ask you to confirm you don't have certain other serious health problems, like severe mental health conditions such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, or a severe heart condition. If you have a pacemaker or other implanted electrical device, you wouldn't be able to take part.
It's very important that you can understand what the study involves and are happy to agree to all the study procedures. Some milder conditions like nicotine dependence, some anxiety, or moderate depression might be acceptable, as long as your alcohol use disorder is the main health concern.
- Are you between 18 and 60 years old?
- Have you been diagnosed with severe alcohol use disorder for at least 5 years?
- Have you tried and failed at least 3 times to stop or reduce drinking with standard treatments?
- Are you generally healthy enough for surgery and an MRI scan?
- Do you not have a pacemaker or other implanted electrical device?
This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.
What does participation involve?
If you join this study, you will first go through an initial phase where the DBS device settings are carefully adjusted to find what works best for you. This will be an 'open-label' phase, meaning both you and the study team will know you are receiving active DBS.
Following this, you will enter a 'randomised, blinded' phase. This means you will be randomly assigned to receive one of three types of stimulation: full DBS, DBS in only one brain area, or 'sham' stimulation (where the device is turned on but delivers no actual treatment, like a placebo). Neither you nor the doctors will know which type of stimulation you are receiving during this part of the study. This helps researchers understand the true benefits of DBS versus other factors. Throughout the study, you will have regular visits for check-ups, assessments of your drinking habits, and recordings of your brain activity. The total duration of participation will be explained in detail by the study team.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (2)
- Cambridge University Hospitals (Addenbrooke's Hospital)Cambridge, United Kingdom· Recruiting
- King's College HospitalLondon, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Common questions
What is Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)?
DBS is a treatment where small electrical pulses are sent to specific areas of the brain to help control certain symptoms.
Is this a new treatment for alcohol use disorder?
Yes, DBS is currently being studied for alcohol use disorder; it's not a standard treatment yet for this condition.
What if I've tried other treatments that didn't work?
This study is specifically for people with severe alcohol use disorder who haven't had success with standard treatments.
Will I know if I'm receiving the active treatment?
Initially, yes, but for part of the study, you won't know if you're getting full DBS, partial DBS, or a 'sham' (inactive) treatment.
What are the main goals of the study?
To see if DBS can safely reduce drinking and to understand how DBS affects the brain in people with alcohol use disorder.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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