Ultrasound Neuromodulation of the Brain for Alcohol Use Disorder

This is a single-center, double-blind, controlled, randomized, complete block, 2-period crossover pilot trial. The study will assess target engagement of the ventral striatum after LIFU in patients with alcohol use disorder using resting state and task-based functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).

Inclusion criteria

• Male or female ≥ 18 years of age.
• Documentation of an AUD diagnosis per DSM-5 criteria as evidenced by problematic pattern of alcohol use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress, as manifested by at least two of the DSM-5 criteria, occurring within a 12-month period.
• Be willing to undergo a brain MRI and follow study protocol.

Exclusion criteria

• Pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Presence of a condition or abnormality that would compromise the safety of the patient or the quality of the data.
• Non-English speaking.
• Other investigational AUD treatments.
• Primary psychosis, Bipolar I, or severe personality disorder.
• Active suicidality or history of suicide attempt in the past 5 years.
• Cognitive impairment (MoCA <24)
• Significant medical or neurological disease, or life expectancy <12 mos.
• Significant brain abnormality on brain imaging.
• Any MRI exclusion criteria.