Transcranial Ultrasound Stimulation as a Neuromodulation Therapy for Craving and Relapse Behaviors in Alcohol Use Disorder.

This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of transcranial ultrasound stimulation in reducing cravings and preventing relapse in individuals with alcohol use disorders. Utilizing a double-blind design, participants will be randomly assigned to receive either active accelerated transcranial ultrasound stimulation or a sham treatment.

As a major global public health issue, the core therapeutic goal of alcohol use disorder (AUD) is to reduce alcohol craving and prevent relapse. In recent years, transcranial ultrasound stimulation (TUS) has emerged as a reliable non-invasive neuromodulation technique. Studies have shown that abnormalities in neural activity and structure in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) of AUD are closely associated with alcohol craving and dysregulation of the reward system. However, existing research on non-invasive neuromodulation techniques for AUD has primarily focused on other brain regions, with limited exploration of interventions targeting the vmPFC. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of a TUS intervention targeting the vmPFC through a randomized controlled trial, assessing its potential to reduce alcohol craving and prevent relapse, thereby providing a theoretical foundation for clinical translation.