San Diego, CANCT06399653Now EnrollingIRB Ready

Alcohol Use Disorder Clinical Trial in San Diego, CA

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

Sponsored by VA Office of Research and Development

Quick Self-Assessment

See if you qualify for this San Diego location

Preparing your pre-screening questions…

Expert Care in San Diego

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

Apply for This San Diego Location

Check if you qualify for this alcohol use disorder clinical trial in San Diego, CA

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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 San Diego

    Convenient for CA 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 San Diego site if eligible
  4. 4Begin participation

About This Alcohol Use Disorder Study in San Diego

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a major health concern amongst Veterans as it causes functional impairments and decreased quality of life. Current AUD treatments show limited effectiveness in reducing withdrawal-related psychological and physical distress, which drives the urge to drink to relieve these symptoms. The investigators propose the vagus nerve, which is the primary nerve of the "rest and digest" branch of the autonomic nervous system via its bidirectional connections between the brain and the body, as a novel treatment target for AUD. The goal of this study is to assess treatment efficacy and mechanism of action. Noninvasive neuromodulation technologies offer the possibility for innovative, low risk treatments to support the rehabilitation and community reintegration of Veterans with AUD.

Sponsor: VA Office of Research and Development

Who Can Participate

Inclusion Criteria

Veterans between 21 and 65 years, any race or ethnicity.
Meet current DSM-5 diagnosis of moderate or severe AUD (Structured Clinical Interview for DMS-5 (SCID) interview) with at least one functional disability due to alcohol use, current alcohol craving, and current heavy drinking (\>= 5 drinks (men) / \>= 4 drinks (women) on the same occasion, on 5 or more days in the past month) as defined by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), and mild to moderate withdrawal symptoms during abstinence.
Able to forgo consumption of alcohol for 12-24 hours without any serious discomfort or complications.
Capable of complying with study schedule, procedures, and speaks English.
Able to provide voluntary written informed consent prior to initiation of visit 1.
Able and willing to self-administer nVNS/sham stimulation as instructed for the duration of the study, and willing to commit to the return visit at the end of the study.

Exclusion Criteria

Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment of Alcohol Scale (CIWA-Ar) score \>10 on the day of the scan (symptoms judged to be due to co-existing anxiety or headache disorders will not be counted toward the total).
Recent history past 6 months) of severe complications due to alcohol withdrawal (alcohol withdrawal seizures, hallucinations/illusions, delirium tremens).
Currently or recently (within last 90 days) enrolled in abstinence-based treatment program.
Evidence of a maladaptive pattern of substance use or abuse other than alcohol one month prior to screening visit.
Uncontrolled severe psychiatric disorder with psychotic symptoms or cognitive impairment. We will not exclude for PTSD.
At risk for suicide requiring urgent higher-level care or homicide (based on the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale and follow-up clinical interview).
History of neurological disorder that might be associated with cognitive dysfunction.
History of head trauma involving loss of consciousness \>24 hours
Clinically significant uncontrolled/unstable medical illness or clinically significant surgery within 1 month of the screening visit.
MRI-related exclusion criteria: cardiac pacemaker, metal fragments in eyes/skin/body, aortic/aneurysm clips, heart-valve replacement, copper intrauterine device, shunt (ventricular or spinal), neuro/bio-stimulators, (for females) pregnant or nursing. Any implants will be reviewed for safety.
Vagus nerve stimulation related criteria: active implantable medical device, metallic device implanted at or near the neck, carotid atherosclerosis (narrowing of arteries), cervical vagotomy, clinically significant hypertension, hypotension, bradycardia, or tachycardia, cardiac disease and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (severe carotid artery disease (e.g., history of transient ischemic attack (TIA) or stroke), congestive heart failure, severe coronary artery disease or recent myocardial infarction (within 5 years)).
Pharmacotherapy for AUD: \>= 2 weeks stability is required to ensure a steady state of medication effects prior to nVNS administration.
Currently taking opioids or benzodiazepines.
In case it is determined by the investigator during the course of the study, that a subject needs a higher level or care, study participation will be discontinued, and the subject will be excluded from the study.

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 San Diego?

Yes, this clinical trial (NCT06399653) has an active research site in San Diego, CA 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 San Diego, CA

If you're searching for alcohol use disorder treatment options in San Diego, CA, this clinical trial (NCT06399653) 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 San Diego 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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Secure · Expert Care · San Diego, CA