Using brain stimulation to personalize treatments for drug addiction

Bayesian neurobehavioral phenotyping: from mechanism identification to personalized neuromodulation treatments

NIH-funded research University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr · NIH-10804786

This study is looking at how a special brain stimulation technique called rTMS can be customized to help people with substance use disorders by focusing on their unique brain activity, with the hope of making their treatment more effective and improving their recovery.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Houston, United States)
Project IDNIH-10804786 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how brain stimulation techniques, specifically repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), can be tailored to improve treatment outcomes for individuals struggling with substance use disorders (SUDs). By identifying specific brain activity patterns related to reward and cognitive control, the study aims to personalize rTMS interventions to enhance their effectiveness. Patients will be assessed for their brain responses to drug-related cues and decision-making processes, which will guide the customization of their treatment. The goal is to reduce variability in treatment responses and improve overall recovery from addiction.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are smokers or individuals with substance use disorders who exhibit high reactivity to drug-related cues or low cognitive control during decision-making.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have substance use disorders or those who do not respond to brain stimulation therapies may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective, personalized treatments for individuals with substance use disorders, potentially improving recovery rates.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results using rTMS for treating substance use disorders, indicating that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

Houston, 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.