Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for Opioid Use Disorder
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial tests whether Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) can aid individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD) who are already receiving buprenorphine treatment. The study compares real tDCS sessions to placebo sessions to determine any added benefit in managing OUD. Suitable candidates for this trial include those currently treated with buprenorphine for OUD who plan to continue their treatment program until the study concludes. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to explore innovative treatment options for OUD alongside current therapy.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but you must be on buprenorphine maintenance treatment to participate.
What prior data suggests that transcranial direct current stimulation is safe for individuals with opioid use disorder?
Research has shown that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a promising and low-risk method. Studies have found that tDCS can help reduce cravings for opioids and other substances. It is considered safe, easy to use, and effective for influencing brain activity.
In earlier studies, participants using tDCS reported it was well-tolerated, with most experiencing no serious side effects. Overall, tDCS is a safe option for those wanting to reduce cravings while managing substance use disorders. For those considering joining a trial with tDCS, current research suggests it is generally safe and carries a low risk of side effects.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) is unique because it offers a non-invasive way to potentially treat opioid use disorder. Unlike traditional treatments like medication-assisted therapy, which uses drugs like methadone or buprenorphine, tDCS involves applying a small electrical current to the scalp to modulate brain activity. Researchers are excited about this approach because it targets brain areas involved in addiction, offering a new mechanism that could complement existing therapies. This method is promising as it might reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms without the side effects associated with medication.
What evidence suggests that transcranial direct current stimulation is effective for opioid use disorder?
Research has shown that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), which participants in this trial may receive, can slightly reduce cravings for opioids. A study that combined results from multiple research projects found that tDCS helped lower cravings for drugs like opioids, methamphetamine, and cocaine. It also appears to reduce drug use in people with addiction issues. Additionally, tDCS might improve cognitive skills such as decision-making and planning, which can benefit those struggling with addiction. These findings suggest that tDCS could be a useful tool in managing opioid use disorder.23456
Who Is on the Research Team?
Jazmin Camchong, PhD
Principal Investigator
University of Minnesota
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for adults with Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) who are currently receiving buprenorphine treatment and can follow study procedures. Participants must not have a primary substance use disorder other than opioids, be pregnant, or exhibit disrespectful behavior. They also cannot have any conditions that contraindicate tDCS or MRI.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive neuromodulation intervention using the Soterix Mini-CT Remote tDCS device while under buprenorphine maintenance treatment
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS)
Trial Overview
The study examines the effectiveness of adding transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS), a non-invasive brain stimulation technique, to cognitive training in individuals undergoing buprenorphine maintenance for OUD. Some participants will receive sham stimulation as a control comparison.
How Is the Trial Designed?
2
Treatment groups
Active Control
Placebo Group
All intervention sessions will use the Soterix Mini-CT Remote tDCS device
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Minnesota
Lead Sponsor
Citations
A Systematic Review of Noninvasive Brain Stimulation for ...
We conducted a systematic review of studies using noninvasive brain stimulation to affect clinical outcomes related to substance use for adults with opioid use ...
Targeting cravings in substance addiction with transcranial ...
Our meta-analysis indicated that tDCS led to a modest reduction in cravings for opioids, methamphetamine, cocaine, and tobacco but not for alcohol or cannabis.
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for Opioid use disorder
It has been used to reduce craving in substance use disorder (SUD). tDCS may be used in opioid use disorder to reduce craving and drug use. We ...
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation and Chronic Pain
The overarching goal of this project is to apply transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) as an alternative to opioids for the reduction in chronic pain.
The effect of bilateral tDCS over dorsolateral prefrontal cortex ...
Bilateral DLPFC stimulation resulted in a significant improvement in cognitive flexibility, planning, decision making, inhibitory control/ ...
Effect of Intensified Transcranial Direct-current Stimulation ...
This study aimed to analyze the effect of the intensified tDCS targeting bilateral DLPFC on drug craving reduction among individuals with heroin use disorder.
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