NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Combined brain stimulation and cognitive training for opioid use disorder on buprenorphine

Official title: Combined tDCS and cognitive training as an adjunctive treatment in opioid use disorder

Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-11398020 · Data updated 2026-11-12

A new program tests whether non-invasive brain stimulation plus thinking-training can help people on buprenorphine recover from opioid use disorder.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Minnesota
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Minneapolis, United States)
Project startSeptember 1, 2025
Project endAugust 31, 2027
Funding year2026
Award (this year)$668,658
NIH project number5UG3DA061615-02
Project IDNIH-11398020 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Adults with opioid use disorder who are receiving buprenorphine maintenance therapy and are willing to participate in brain stimulation and cognitive training sessions.

Less likely to help

People not on buprenorphine maintenance or who cannot participate in brain stimulation sessions may not benefit.

What this research studies

This project will give participants on buprenorphine maintenance for OUD ten sessions of active tDCS to the prefrontal area, paired with cognitive training tasks. Researchers will measure brain network changes and cognitive performance before, during, and after the 10-session course. The goal is to see if this approach strengthens brain circuits related to self-control and decision making and improves treatment outcomes. The study uses an open-label, within-subject design during the UG3 phase and will collect brain imaging data to understand neural engagement. If successful, this could guide future trials to enhance recovery for people with OUD.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, it could lead to a non-drug way to boost treatment effectiveness for people on buprenorphine.

How similar studies have gone: Prior work in alcohol use disorder showed improved brain connectivity and reduced relapse with a similar intervention, suggesting potential applicability to OUD.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Minnesota
    Minneapolis, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Camchong, Y. Jazmin — University of Minnesota
  • Study coordinator: Camchong, Y. Jazmin

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.