Using brain stimulation to enhance therapy for cocaine addiction

Augmenting cognitive-behavioral therapy with rTMS of the medial prefrontal and anterior cingulate cortices for the treatment of cocaine use disorder

NIH-funded research New York State Psychiatric Institute Dba Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, INC · NIH-10681981

This study is looking at how a special brain treatment called rTMS can help people with cocaine addiction get better results from their therapy, and it’s designed for those who want to improve their recovery journey.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionNew York State Psychiatric Institute Dba Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, INC NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-10681981 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the use of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) to enhance cognitive-behavioral therapy for individuals struggling with cocaine use disorder. The study aims to stimulate specific brain regions, particularly the medial prefrontal cortex and anterior cingulate cortex, to improve treatment outcomes. Participants will undergo a double-blind, sham-controlled trial to assess the effectiveness and feasibility of this approach. The goal is to provide a more effective treatment strategy for cocaine addiction by combining brain stimulation with traditional therapy methods.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who are diagnosed with cocaine use disorder.

Not a fit: Patients who are not struggling with cocaine use disorder or those under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatment options for individuals with cocaine use disorder.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results using rTMS for various mental health disorders, indicating potential for success in this novel application for cocaine use disorder.

Where this research is happening

New York, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.