Effects of tDCS Paired With Cognitive Training on Brain Networks Associated With Alcohol Use Disorder in Veterans

Eligibility Criteria

• * Diagnosis of moderate to severe Alcohol Use Disorder, according to DSM-5 within 6 months of enrollment (Participants may have current comorbid drug use, but their primary substance use disorder (SUD) diagnosis needs to be alcohol use based on self-report.)
• * Veterans receiving outpatient clinical care services through the MVAHCS
• * Abstinent from alcohol use for at least one week prior to the baseline study visit (Visit 1) (i.e., not in acute withdrawal) (Abstinence will be determined primarily via self-report, supplemented by breathalyzer, and clinical judgment based on other available data \[e.g., perusal of medical records which may include urine test results and reports from clinicians in the Addiction Recovery Services Intensive Outpatient Program\]).
• * Men and women 22-65 years of age
• * In the medical opinion of the PI, has been on a stable dose of all prescription and non-prescription medications (except for PRN medication) for at least 30 days prior to the baseline visit (Visit 1)
• * Capable and willing to provide voluntary informed consent, in the medical opinion of the PI
• * Presence of a medical, psychiatric, physical or non-physical disease, disorder, condition, injury, disability or pre-existent history such that study participation, in the opinion of the PI: (a) may pose a significant risk to the participant; (b) raises the possibility that the participant is unlikely to successfully complete all of the requirements of the study according to the study protocol; or (c) might adversely impact the integrity of the data or the validity of the study results.
• * Cognitive impairment as indicated by a score lower than or equal to 20 on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) or determined by the PI's judgment
• * Psychosis or mania within 30 days of enrollment, as determined by the PI, based on a psychiatric history and examination and/or a review of available medical records
• * Participant answers YES to Question 3 and NO to Question 6 (Moderate Risk) or participant answers YES to Question 4, 5, or 6 (High Risk) on the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) Screen Version - Recent
• * Contraindications for tDCS (e.g., metallic cranial plates/screws or implanted device, eczema or skin lesions on scalp)
• * Contraindications for MRI (e.g., unapproved metallic implants, pacemakers or any other implanted electrical device, shrapnel, metallic braces, non-removable body piercings, significant breathing or movement disorder, claustrophobia) as assessed by completing the UMN CMRR Subject Safety Screening Form
• * A positive pregnancy test result in a woman of childbearing age/potential as agreed upon by the PI