Improving reward function in people with nicotine addiction using advanced brain stimulation techniques
Official title: Recovery of reward function in nicotine use disorder using a combination of robotics, electrophysiology, and TMS
Funded at Rutgers the State Univ of Nj Newark · NIH-10707923 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for ways to help people with nicotine addiction feel more motivated and make better choices by using special brain techniques to improve how their brains respond to rewards.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rutgers the State Univ of Nj Newark NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Newark, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $370,619 |
| NIH project number | 5UG3DA054787-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10707923 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals struggling with nicotine addiction who are seeking new treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not currently using nicotine or those with other substance use disorders unrelated to nicotine may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how to restore normal reward processing in individuals with nicotine use disorder by targeting a specific brain region known as the anterior midcingulate cortex (MCC). The approach combines robotics, electrophysiology, and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to enhance the brain's response to rewards. By understanding how these techniques can modify brain activity, the research aims to improve decision-making and reduce substance use behaviors. Participants may undergo TMS sessions while their brain activity is monitored to assess changes in reward sensitivity.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment options that help individuals overcome nicotine addiction by restoring healthy reward processing.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that TMS can effectively improve reward processing in individuals with substance use disorders, suggesting a promising avenue for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Rutgers the State Univ of Nj Newark
Newark, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Baker, Travis E. — Rutgers the State Univ of Nj Newark
- Study coordinator: Baker, Travis E.
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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.