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Transcranial magnetic stimulation reduces alcohol craving in patients with alcohol use disorder

A meta-analysis of 19 RCTs involving 942 patients with AUD found that TMS significantly reduced alcohol craving compared to sham stimulation. Subgroup analysis showed significant effects with cTBS, 10 or 15 sessions, 10 Hz frequency, and follow-up ≤1 month or ≥3 months. TMS also improved abstinence days, reduced alcohol intake, alleviated depressive symptoms, and enhanced cognitive function.

Last updated: Aug 26, 2026•0 RCTs•1 Meta-analyses•📖 Read as article →

Evidence Score

Evidence Score49/100
Human RCT☆☆☆☆☆
Meta-analysis★★★☆☆
Mechanism★★★★★
Safety★★★★☆
Confidencelow

Study Evidence

Study 1. The Effects of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation on Alcohol Craving, Efficacy, Emotion, and Cognitive Function in Patients With Alcohol Use Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trial.

observational

Song J, He X, Ouyang J, Li Z, Liu Y, Yu H, Li A, Liu H, Fan H, Yao F · Brain and behavior (2026)

Participants: N/A
Duration: N/A (range of follow-up: ≤1 month or ≥3 months)
Intervention: Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), including continuous theta burst stimulation (cTBS), with sessions of 10 or 15, frequency of 10 Hz
Outcome: Alcohol craving, abstinence days, alcohol intake, anxiety, depression, cognitive function
Effect Size: N/A (specific effect size not reported in abstract)
Population: Patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD) from 19 RCTs (n=942)

Result:

PubMed: 42503875DOI: 10.1002/brb3.71605

Mechanism Graph

TMS modulates cortical excitability in brain regions associated with craving
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Stimulation of prefrontal cortex reduces neural activity linked to alcohol cues
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Alters neurotransmitter release (e.g., dopamine) affecting reward pathways
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Result: Reduced alcohol craving and improved abstinence

Limitations

  • ⚠High heterogeneity in alcohol craving outcomes, possibly due to disease type
  • ⚠Limited number of large-sample, multi-center, double-blind RCTs available
  • ⚠Results interpreted with caution due to heterogeneity

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main finding of this study?▼

TMS significantly reduces alcohol craving in AUD patients and improves abstinence days, alcohol intake, depression, and cognitive function.

How many patients were included in the meta-analysis?▼

942 patients with alcohol use disorder from 19 randomized controlled trials.

What TMS parameters were most effective?▼

Continuous theta burst stimulation (cTBS), 10 or 15 sessions, 10 Hz frequency, with follow-up ≤1 month or ≥3 months.

What are the limitations of this evidence?▼

High heterogeneity in craving outcomes and a need for more large-scale, double-blind RCTs to confirm results.

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References

  1. 1.Song J, He X, Ouyang J, Li Z, Liu Y, Yu H, Li A, Liu H, Fan H, Yao F. "The Effects of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation on Alcohol Craving, Efficacy, Emotion, and Cognitive Function in Patients With Alcohol Use Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trial.." Brain and behavior, 2026. PMID: 42503875 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.71605
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Evidence scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement or intervention.