Using ear stimulation to help patients with PTSD and opioid addiction stay on medication
Official title: Improving Buprenorphine Retention with Transcutaneous Auricular Neurostimulation for Patients with Co-occurring Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Opioid Use Disorder
Funded at University of Cincinnati · NIH-10936531 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to help people with both PTSD and opioid use disorder stick with their buprenorphine treatment by using a device that gently stimulates nerves in the ear, and we want to see how well they tolerate and accept this method during the first few months of their recovery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Cincinnati NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cincinnati, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $306,133 |
| NIH project number | 5UG3DA059409-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10936531 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with both PTSD and opioid use disorder who are beginning treatment with buprenorphine.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have PTSD or opioid use disorder may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of transcutaneous auricular neurostimulation (tAN) to improve retention rates in patients with co-occurring posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and opioid use disorder (OUD) who are starting buprenorphine treatment. The study will involve a small group of participants who will use a device that delivers electrical stimulation to specific nerves in the ear. Researchers will assess how well patients tolerate and accept this treatment, as well as its effectiveness in helping them stay on their medication during the critical early months of treatment. The ultimate goal is to gather data that could support further studies and potential FDA approval for this treatment approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment retention for patients struggling with both PTSD and opioid addiction, enhancing their chances of recovery.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise for similar neurostimulation techniques in treating PTSD and opioid withdrawal symptoms, suggesting potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sprunger, Joel Gregory — University of Cincinnati
- Study coordinator: Sprunger, Joel Gregory
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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.