Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Alcohol Use Disorder Treatment: A Narrative Review

Alcohol use disorder is a mental health problem characterized by symptoms such as withdrawal, tolerance, and intense alcohol craving, affecting approximately 8.5% of the global adult population. Non-invasive neuromodulation techniques like repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation are gaining interest in alcohol use disorder treatment. This review aimed to assess the efficacy of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimula- tion, deep transcranial magnetic stimulation, and theta burst stimulation protocols in treating alcohol use disorder, focusing on randomized controlled studies with sham. The studies reviewed predominantly target the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Some repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation protocols have shown positive effects on reducing craving and improving cognitive functions, while others did not find signifi- cant clinical changes. The results of deep transcranial magnetic stimulation studies targeting the medial prefrontal cortex and anterior cingulate cortex also vary; some report reductions in alcohol consumption, while others do not demonstrate significant effects. Theta burst stimulation studies suggest that particularly intermittent theta burst stimulation protocols may be effective in reducing depressive symptoms and relapse risk, whereas continuous theta burst stimulation protocols tend to have shorter and more limited effects. In conclusion, the efficacy of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in the treatment of alcohol use disor- der varies according to the targeted brain region, stimulation parameters, and patient characteristics. There is a need for studies with larger sample sizes, homogeneous protocols, and long-term follow-ups to more clearly define the role of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in alcohol use disorder treatment.

Cite this article as: Uygur, O. F., & Celik, M. (2024). Transcranial magnetic stimulation in alcohol use disorder treatment: A narrative review. Addicta: The Turkish Journal on Addictions, 11(3), 388-399.