Using brain stimulation to help reduce cravings in people addicted to cocaine
Official title: Cognitively-enhanced tDCS of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex to reduce craving in cocaine addiction
Funded at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai · NIH-11130301 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to help people with cocaine addiction by using a gentle brain stimulation technique along with exercises to help them manage their cravings and improve self-control.
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 start | May 1, 2025 |
| Project end | February 28, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $833,825 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DA060914-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11130301 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with cocaine use disorder who experience significant cravings and are seeking treatment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not addicted to cocaine or those with other substance use disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel approach to treating cocaine addiction by using a technique called transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, combined with cognitive training. The goal is to reduce cravings and improve self-control in individuals struggling with cocaine use disorder. Participants will undergo a series of sessions where they receive either real or sham stimulation while engaging in cognitive reappraisal exercises aimed at changing their emotional responses to drug-related cues. This study aims to provide evidence-based treatment options for a population that currently lacks FDA-approved therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to effective new treatments for individuals suffering from cocaine addiction, helping them manage cravings and improve their chances of recovery.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results using tDCS for various addiction treatments, suggesting that this approach may be effective for cocaine addiction as well.
Where this research is happening
-
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
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Reducing Addiction Risk in High Schools Through Better Prevention Infrastructure
Aims to build a sustainable, school-based system to prevent opioid and other drug use among high school students, especially those at higher risk.
-
HEAL Data Platform to share addiction-related data across programs
A platform project to make HEAL data from many programs easier to find and use, helping researchers and clinicians access information about addiction in children and youth.
-
Cognitively-enhanced tDCS to reduce cocaine craving
A study to test whether real brain stimulation together with learning strategies can lessen craving in people with cocaine use disorder.
-
Yale center researching how tobacco products affect use and addiction in people
A Yale research center is studying how nicotine, flavor additives, and other ingredients in tobacco products influence people’s likelihood of starting and becoming addicted.
-
Atherosclerosis in cocaine addiction: imaging risk with PET/MR
This project uses PET/MR imaging to look for early artery disease in people with cocaine use disorder to help prevent strokes or other brain injuries.
-
Integrating long-acting PrEP into street medicine for people who use drugs
This project tests whether a long-acting HIV prevention shot (lenacapavir) can be feasibly and acceptably offered by street-based health teams to people who use drugs.
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.