The goal of this small (n=75) proof-of-concept randomized clinical trial is to test the effects of transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) during motivational interviewing (MI) sessions with participants who drink at above the low-risk level. Participants will be randomized to receive either MI with active stimulation, MI with sham stimulation, or a delayed treatment group that receives MI with no stimulation. Measures will include brain imaging, alcohol use, cannabis use, risk-taking behavior, emotions, and others. Participants who are randomized to the delayed-treatment group will not receive brain imaging.
Self-identify as having problem drinking
Right-handed
Age 21-60 years
AUDIT score indicating risky drinking
Left-handed or ambidextrous
Currently engaged in treatment for alcohol use disorder
Receiving treatment for alcohol use disorder within the prior 12 months
History of brain injury or neurological diagnosis
Parallel
High-density transcranial alternating current stimulation
DeviceHigh-density electrode configuration with transcranial alternating current stimulation in the beta (15-40Hz) frequency range
Sham stimulation
DeviceHigh-density electrode configuration with sham stimulation
Motivational interviewing
BehavioralMotivational interviewing session focused on alcohol use, approximately 30 minutes in length
Heavy drinking days
Number of heavy drinking days in the prior 30 days
Drinks per drinking day
Number of drinks per drink day in the prior 30 days
Percent days abstinent
Percent days abstinent in the prior 30 days
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The Mind Research Network
Lead sponsor
National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)
Collaborator
