Charleston, SCNCT04998916Now EnrollingIRB Ready

Alcohol Use Disorder Clinical Trial in Charleston, SC

Access cutting-edge alcohol use disorder treatment through this clinical trial at a research site in Charleston. Study-provided care at no cost to qualified participants.

Sponsored by Medical University of South Carolina

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Expert Care in Charleston

Access alcohol use disorder specialists at no cost

IRB Approved

This study follows strict safety protocols and ethical guidelines

No-Cost Care

All study-related alcohol use disorder treatment provided free

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Check if you qualify for this alcohol use disorder clinical trial in Charleston, SC

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Your information is protected and will only be shared with the research team.

Why Participate?

  • No-Cost Study Care

  • Local to Charleston

    Convenient for SC residents

  • Cutting-Edge Treatment

    Access to innovative therapies

  • Expert Medical Care

    Close monitoring by specialists

  • Possible Compensation*

    For time and travel

*Compensation varies by study. Confirm details with coordinator.

Simple Process

  1. 1Submit this form
  2. 2Phone screening
  3. 3Visit Charleston site if eligible
  4. 4Begin participation

About This Alcohol Use Disorder Study in Charleston

The purpose of this study is to develop transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), specifically TMS at a frequency known as theta burst stimulation (TBS), to see how it affects the brain and changes the brain's response to alcohol-related pictures. TMS and TBS are stimulation techniques that use magnetic pulses to temporarily excite specific brain areas in awake people (without the need for surgery, anesthetic, or other invasive procedures). TBS, which is a form of TMS, will be applied over the medial prefrontal cortex, (MPFC), which has been shown to be involved with drinking patterns and alcohol consumption. This study will test whether TBS can be used as an alternative tool to reduce the desire to use alcohol and reducing the brain's response to alcohol-related pictures.

Sponsor: Medical University of South Carolina

Who Can Participate

Inclusion Criteria

Age 21-65 (to maximize participation; note: Scalp-to-Cortex distance will be included as a covariate to calculate adjusted TMS dose given expected cortical atrophy in heavy alcohol users and older adults and the demonstrated effect50 on TMS-fMRI responses in addiction)
Alcohol Use Disorder, determined by DSM-V criteria, using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-V
Consumption of more than 14 drinks (women) or 21 drinks (men) per week, with at least 4 heavy drinking days (defined as ≥ 4 drinks for women and ≥ 5 for men) per week during the 30-days prior to enrolling.
Able to read and understand questionnaires and informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria

Has metal placed above the neck
Is at elevated risk of seizure (i.e., has a history of seizures, is currently prescribed medications known to lower seizure threshold)
Has a history of moderate to severe alcohol withdrawal or medicated alcohol withdrawal
Has a history of claustrophobia
Has a history of chronic migraines
Has a history of traumatic brain injury, including a head injury that resulted in hospitalization, loss of consciousness for more than 10 minutes, or having ever been informed that they have an epidural, subdural, or subarachnoid hemorrhage
Has an unstable medical illness requiring planned medical/surgical intervention (e.g. chemotherapy, surgical procedure)
Medications: Is currently taking or initiates a new prescription for drugs known to improve alcohol drinking treatment outcomes (e.g. naltrexone, acamprosate, topiramate) or taking psychiatric/sleeping medications except for stable (1 month) antidepressants/SSRI's. \[Note: this criterion is for scientific rather than safety or patient comfort reasons\].
Has a history of substance use disorder (other than nicotine) by DSM-V criteria in the past 6 months
Meets DSM V criteria for panic disorder, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, schizophrenia, dissociative disorders, eating disorders, and any other psychotic disorder. \[Note: The inclusion of participants with other affective and anxiety disorders is essential because of the marked frequency of the co-existence of mood and other anxiety disorders among patients with AUD at large\]
Has current suicidal ideation or homicidal ideation
Females of childbearing potential who are pregnant (by urine HCG), nursing, or who are not using a reliable form of birth control.

Not sure if you qualify? Submit your interest and a study coordinator will help determine your eligibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:Is this study available in Charleston?

Yes, this clinical trial (NCT04998916) has an active research site in Charleston, SC that is currently enrolling participants.

Q:Is it safe to participate?

Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. This study has been reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals. You can withdraw at any time.

Q:Will I be compensated?

Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time and travel expenses. Specific compensation details will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is provided at no cost.

Q:Can I leave the trial if I change my mind?

Absolutely. Participation is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty.

Still have questions? Our study coordinators are here to help.

Alcohol Use Disorder Treatment Options in Charleston, SC

If you're searching for alcohol use disorder treatment options in Charleston, SC, this clinical trial (NCT04998916) may be an excellent opportunity. Clinical trials provide access to cutting-edge treatments that aren't yet available to the general public, often at no cost to participants.

Our Charleston research site is actively enrolling participants for this clinical trial. You'll receive care from experienced alcohol use disorder specialists who are at the forefront of medical research. All study-related care, including examinations, treatments, and monitoring, is provided at no cost to qualified participants.

Looking for more options? Browse all alcohol use disorder clinical trials near you to find additional studies recruiting in your area.

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