Brain Stimulation and Training for Cannabis Use Disorder
Examination of potential effectiveness of transcranial direct current stimulation (TDCS) paired with reappraisal training for Cannabis Use Disorder
This project explores if a gentle brain stimulation combined with training can help people reduce their cannabis use.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11123332 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project aims to find better ways to help people with Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD) by combining a gentle brain stimulation called transcranial direct current stimulation (TDCS) with a type of mental training called reappraisal. TDCS targets a specific brain area to help improve self-regulation skills, while reappraisal training teaches individuals how to manage cravings and emotional responses. Researchers will recruit sixty participants to receive either real or sham TDCS alongside reappraisal training over five weekly sessions. The goal is to see if this combination can enhance emotional regulation, leading to a reduction in cannabis use and changes in brain activity related to self-control.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals seeking to reduce their cannabis use who are willing to participate in brain stimulation and reappraisal training sessions.
Not a fit: Patients not seeking to reduce cannabis use or those with contraindications for TDCS may not receive benefit from this specific approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could offer a new and effective way to help individuals manage and reduce their cannabis use.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work by the research team on internet gaming disorder suggests that enhancing regulation skills with TDCS may be helpful for addictive behaviors.
Where this research is happening
New Haven, United States
- Yale University — New Haven, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Potenza, Marc N — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Potenza, Marc N
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 below.