Using noninvasive brain stimulation to help treat addiction
Official title: Noninvasive Brain Stimulation for Treating Addiction
Funded at Highland Instruments, INC. · NIH-10694167 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring how gentle brain stimulation can help people who are dealing with opioid addiction by changing the way their brains work, with the hope of making their treatment more effective.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Highland Instruments, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2019 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $750,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R44DA049685-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10694167 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are struggling with opioid addiction or misuse.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not dealing with addiction or those who have not responded to other forms of treatment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of noninvasive brain stimulation techniques to modify brain activity associated with addiction, particularly focusing on opioid misuse. By targeting specific brain networks, the approach aims to reduce addictive behaviors and improve treatment outcomes for individuals struggling with opioid dependency. Patients may receive sessions of brain stimulation as part of their treatment plan, which could complement existing therapies. The study seeks to evaluate the effectiveness of these methods in a clinical setting.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new, effective treatment option for patients suffering from opioid addiction.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise in using noninvasive brain stimulation techniques for treating addiction, indicating that this approach may be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Highland Instruments, INC.
Cambridge, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wagner, Timothy Andrew — Highland Instruments, INC.
- Study coordinator: Wagner, Timothy Andrew
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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.