Use of tAN® in Alcohol Withdrawal Management

Summary

This research study is being conducted to learn if Transcutaneous Auricular Neurostimulation (tAN®) may be effective in treating alcohol withdrawal syndrome. Transcutaneous Auricular Neurostimulation (tAN®) works by delivering small electrical stimulations to the Vagus and Trigeminal nerves. This study will be conducted over the course of five days. Participants will be enrolled within 24 hours of entering treatment for alcohol withdrawal management. A total of 60 individuals will be enrolled and randomly assigned to either active (treatment with the device + treatment as usual) or sham (treatment as usual) group. Data will be collected on alcohol craving, use of comfort medications, sleep, and mood.

Detailed Description

This study will explore whether the use of a non-invasive Transcutaneous Auricular Neurostimulation (tAN®) device, Sparrow® Link, can be used to relieve symptoms of alcohol withdrawal symptoms and reduce the need for comfort medications during alcohol withdrawal management. This study will recruit 60 participants randomized to either active tAN® + Treatment as Usual (TAU) or sham tAN® + TAU, 30 participants in each arm. Data will be collected four times a day for 5 days, exploring ambient alcohol craving, mood, and sleep using Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA; Wear-IT framework). Data for stress response, sleep and physical activity will also be collected using a fitness activity tracker (Garmin Vivosmart 4). In addition, the Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment, Revised (CIWA-AR) will be administered daily as well. Transcutaneous Auricular Neurostimulation has proven effective in reducing symptoms of opioid withdrawal and it is hypothesized that with the similar withdrawal symptom profile of alcohol withdrawal should prove effective in reducing symptoms of alcohol withdrawal as well.

Eligibility Criteria

Interventions