Gentle brain stimulation combined with thinking skills to reduce cocaine cravings
Cognitively-enhanced tDCS of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex to reduce craving in cocaine addiction
This project uses mild electrical brain stimulation together with a thinking strategy to try to lower cravings in people with cocaine use disorder.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11323551 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would be randomly assigned to one of four groups combining real or sham gentle electrical stimulation of the brain's self-control area (dlPFC) with or without training in cognitive reappraisal, a way to reframe drug-related thoughts. The team uses a battery-powered portable tDCS device that can be used safely and repeatedly, including in the natural/at-home setting. The trial is double-blind, plans to enroll about 120 participants, and compares craving and attention to drug cues across the groups. The study includes active follow-up to track clinical outcomes over time.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with cocaine use disorder who want to reduce or stop use, can take part in repeated remote sessions, and can follow study procedures would be ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People with implanted electronic medical devices, unstable medical or psychiatric conditions, pregnancy, or those unwilling/unable to do remote sessions may not be eligible or may not benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could offer a non-drug treatment that lowers craving and helps people resist cocaine use.
How similar studies have performed: A prior Phase‑1 pilot from this team found 15 sessions of dlPFC tDCS reduced craving, and combining tDCS with cognitive training has supportive human and mechanistic evidence, though larger randomized trials are still needed.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Goldstein, Rita Z — Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
- Study coordinator: Goldstein, Rita Z
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.