Exploring brain stimulation techniques to treat cocaine addiction
Official title: Identifying Electrophysiological Targets for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Cocaine Use Disorder
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston · NIH-10861752 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a treatment called transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) can help adults who are trying to overcome cocaine addiction by improving how their brains process rewards.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $177,860 |
| NIH project number | 5K01DA058765-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10861752 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who are diagnosed with cocaine use disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not struggling with cocaine addiction or those under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to improve brain function in adults struggling with cocaine use disorder. By measuring brain activity through electroencephalogram (EEG), the study aims to identify effective treatment targets that could enhance reward processing in the brain. The project also includes a training plan for the principal investigator to develop expertise in TMS and its application in addiction treatment. The ultimate goal is to optimize TMS therapy for better outcomes in individuals with cocaine addiction.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective non-pharmacological treatments for individuals with cocaine use disorder.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown early success in using TMS for treating cocaine use disorder, indicating potential for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Webber, Heather E — University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
- Study coordinator: Webber, Heather E
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Combining reward-based incentives with deep brain stimulation for cocaine addiction
This project pairs incentive-based rewards (contingency management) with noninvasive deep transcranial magnetic stimulation to help people with cocaine addiction reduce use and prevent relapse.
-
Modulating deep brain activity with focused ultrasound for cocaine use disorder
A study will test whether targeting a deep brain region with focused ultrasound can alter brain signals related to craving in people with cocaine use disorder.
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Noninvasive brain stimulation to reduce hyperexcitability in a Fragile X rat model
A small animal study tests whether low-frequency rTMS can calm overactive brain activity and improve thinking-style tasks in a rat model of Fragile X and autism.
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Accurate, low-cost trackerless neuronavigation for TMS
A low-cost, trackerless computer-vision system to guide transcranial magnetic stimulation by precisely locating brain targets on each patient.
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Understanding how early life stress and cocaine exposure shape brain and behavior in adults
This project follows a long-running study in monkeys to see how early maltreatment and adolescent cocaine use influence brain circuits and risk of addiction in adulthood.
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Psilocybin-Assisted ACT for Co-Occurring Cocaine Use Disorder and Major Depressive Disorder
A new treatment combines psilocybin with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help people who have both cocaine use disorder and major depressive disorder.
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.