Using ultrasound to improve treatment for substance use disorders
Official title: Step 1 in Designing Appropriate Shams and Controls in Human TUS
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-11086835 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how to make a new brain treatment called transcranial ultrasound stimulation safer and more effective for people struggling with substance use disorders by reducing any annoying sounds it might make.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | August 14, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $651,336 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH131684-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11086835 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with substance use disorders who are seeking non-invasive treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have substance use disorders or those who are not suitable for non-invasive brain stimulation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the effectiveness of transcranial ultrasound stimulation (TUS) as a non-invasive treatment for substance use disorders by targeting the nucleus accumbens in the brain. The study aims to address concerns about potential auditory side effects that could affect the outcomes of TUS in human subjects. By quantifying the hearing responses to ultrasound and designing waveforms that minimize unwanted sounds, the researchers hope to improve the safety and efficacy of this treatment method. This work is crucial for ensuring that TUS can be reliably used in clinical settings for patients with substance use disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and safer treatments for individuals struggling with substance use disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that transcranial ultrasound stimulation is effective in animal models, but this approach is still being actively investigated in humans.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Butts-Pauly, Kim — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Butts-Pauly, Kim
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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.