A domestic study has shown that stimulation of light on the head can reduce the desire to drink alcohol. This is a case that demonstrates the potential for developing digital therapeutics using light and brain waves for addiction treatment.
A research team led by Professor Jeong Dong-il from the Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) conducted a clinical trial in collaboration with Professor Jeong Young-cheol from Yonsei University Severance Hospital, Professor Choi Jeong-seok from Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, and Professor An Woo-young from Seoul National University Department of Psychology. They announced on the 26th that they confirmed the effectiveness of transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM) in reducing both cravings and dependence on alcohol.
A total of three groups participated in the trial. One group only received transcranial photobiomodulation, another group received only auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS), and the final group applied both methods in combination. The stimulation was performed using the 'iSyncWave' device developed by iMediSync. Participants conducted self-treatment for 15 minutes a day, five times a week at home for five weeks.
The experimental results showed no significant changes in the group that only received vagus nerve stimulation. However, both the light stimulation group and the combined therapy group experienced a significant reduction in the desire to drink. Furthermore, both of these groups that received light stimulation showed a decrease in alcohol dependence itself.
This study is significant as it attempts to go beyond the limitations of existing drug and counseling-centered treatment methods. Professor Jeong Dong-il noted, "This is the first proof that transcranial photobiomodulation can reduce both cravings and dependence simultaneously," adding that it could also be applied to brain management for patients for whom drug treatment is difficult or for preventing alcohol-related issues.
The research team stated, "We will develop a customized digital therapeutic device that combines the two stimuli," and expressed their intent to expand into an addiction management system optimized for local and individual circumstances through the commercialization of the therapeutic device.
The research results were unveiled at the international conference of the Korean Society for Brain and Neuroscience, held in Songdo, Incheon, from the 24th to the 27th.