Frontal-Striatal Reward Circuit Neuromodulation and Alcohol Self-Administration

M
Michael Francis, MD

Primary Investigator

Overview

This study investigates the relationship between repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and alcohol-related behavior. The purpose of this study is to determine if repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) affects subjective feelings and alcohol drinking behavior, in both lab based experiments and in normal life.

Description

Primary Objective
The primary objective of this pilot study is to determine the effect size of the relationship between mPFC LF rTMS and a change in the time required to self-administer at least a binge-level alcohol exposure of 80 mg/dL. We hypothesize that, compared to sham stimulation, mPFC LF rTMS will slow the time to a breath alcohol concentration (BrAC) of 80 mg/dL.

Eligibility

You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria:

  • Conditions:
    alchoholism
  • Age: Between 21 Years - 35 Years
  • Gender: All

Inclusion Criteria:
  • 1.    Overtly healthy men and women aged 21 – 35
    2.    Able to give informed consent
    3.    Able to understand/complete questionnaires and procedures in English
    4.    Willing and able to adhere to the study schedule
    5.    At least 2 binge drinking events (at least 4 or 5 drinks on a drinking day for women and men respectively over the last 5 weeks, unless determined by study physicians that drinking history meets study objectives
    6.    Have venous access sufficient to allow blood sampling
Exclusion Criteria:
  • 1.    Pregnant or breast-feeding
    2.    Desire to be treated for any substance use disorder or court ordered to not drink alcohol
    3.    Medical disorders or other conditions, such as lifetime history of a seizure, including history of ECT but excluding febrile seizures and those induced by substance withdrawal, that may influence study outcome or subject safety
    4.    First degree relative with idiopathic epilepsy or other seizure disorder
    5.    DSM 5 Disorders (non-AUD) or current/history of neurological disease of cerebral origin, or head injury with > 20 min loss of consciousness, if determined by the study physicians to affect subject safety or data integrity
    6.    Positive urine drug screen for amphetamines/ methamphetamines, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, cocaine, opiates, or phencyclidine if determined by the study physicians to adversely affect subject safety or data integrity
    7.    Medications (past 30 days) that could influence subject data/subject safety (e.g. antidepressants, antipsychotics, benzodiazepines, etc.) as determined by study physicians
    8.    Positive BrAC reading at beginning of any study session
    9.    Actively suicidal (for example, any suicide attempts within the past 3 months or any current suicidal intent, including a plan) or are at serious suicidal risk, by clinical judgment of the study physicians

Updated on 03 May 2024. Study ID: 11511, PSYC-IIR-RTMSARC
Please visit our main page to search for other studies you may be interested in. If you need help finding a study or have any questions, please contact us at inhealth@iu.edu

Interested in the study?

Select a study center that’s convenient for you, and get in touch with the study team.

Contact a study center