Accelerated TMS for Cocaine Use Disorder
Official title: Evaluating the Efficacy of Medial Prefrontal Cortex Accelerated Theta-Burst Stimulation for Cocaine Use Disorder: A Human Laboratory Inpatient Study
Funded at University of Kentucky · NIH-11424703 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new, faster brain-stimulation treatment is being tested to help adults with cocaine use disorder reduce cravings and use.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kentucky NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lexington, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $721,097 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DA066804-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11424703 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with cocaine use disorder who are abstinent at the time of assessment and willing to undergo TMS procedures.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals unwilling or unable to participate in inpatient TMS sessions or who do not have cocaine use disorder.
What this research studies
This project tests an accelerated transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) protocol targeting the medial prefrontal cortex to see if it quickly helps people with cocaine use disorder. Participants will receive multiple TMS sessions in a condensed timeframe, aiming to produce rapid improvements in decision-making and cue-related cravings. The study builds on prior work showing the mPFC is involved in cocaine reward and that accelerated dosing might yield stronger or faster effects. If successful, this could offer a practical, shorter treatment option to support abstinence and recovery.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, participants could experience reduced cravings and better control over cocaine use with a shorter treatment course.
How similar studies have gone: Prior TMS studies targeting the mPFC showed promising signals but mixed results; this study tests a novel accelerated protocol for potentially stronger effects.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Kentucky
Lexington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wesley, Michael J — University of Kentucky
- Study coordinator: Wesley, Michael J
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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-
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Psilocybin-Assisted ACT for Co-Occurring Cocaine Use Disorder and Major Depressive Disorder
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Oligonucleotide therapy to help cocaine use disorder reach the brain
A new ASO-based approach aims to deliver gene-targeting therapy across the blood–brain barrier to help people with cocaine use disorder.
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Focused ultrasound for reducing cocaine craving and use
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.