Brain training to help with opioid addiction

Brain Training for Substance Use Disorders

This study is testing if brain training games can help people with opioid addiction by reducing their cravings for drugs.

Quick facts

• Phase: NA
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 40 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years to 65 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Neurotype Inc. (industry)
• Locations: 1 site (Minneapolis, Minnesota)
• Trial ID: NCT06870110 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This project aims to gather pilot data on neurofeedback games that utilize electroencephalogram (EEG)-based Attention Bias Modification (ABM) to help reduce drug cravings in individuals with Opioid Use Disorder (OUD). Participants will engage in games designed to train their visual attention towards non-drug-related stimuli while an EEG system monitors their brain activity. The difficulty of the games will adapt based on the participants' attention levels, as measured by the EEG. The study will involve both OUD patients and control participants matched by age and gender.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals diagnosed with Opioid Use Disorder who are currently undergoing chemical treatment.

Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant or have serious neurological illnesses may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce drug cravings and improve treatment outcomes for patients with Opioid Use Disorder.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of neurofeedback in addiction treatment is an emerging field, similar studies have shown promise in modifying attention biases related to substance use.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

OUD patient participants:

* Admitted into chemical treatment with opioid use being a reason for treatment;
* DSM-IV-TR diagnosis of OUD;
* Ability to provide informed consent;
* A minimum of a 6th grade reading level; and
* Able and willing to provide own contact information for follow-up visit(s).

Control participants:

* Age- and gender-matched to an OUD patient participant in the study;
* Ability to provide informed consent;
* A minimum of a 6th grade reading level;
* Able and willing to provide own contact information for follow-up visit(s).

Exclusion Criteria:

OUD patient participants:

* Refusal or inability to consent;
* Pregnant;
* History of serious neurological illness (e.g., Chronic seizure disorder, Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome, Epilepsy, Any history of seizures not caused by withdrawal from substances, Other \[please specify\]);
* Inability to see text and photos clearly on the computer display; and
* Unwillingness to change hairstyle (e.g., braids, pony tails, dreadlocks) or remove wig to accommodate application of the EEG headset, if necessary.

Control participants:

* Refusal or inability to consent;
* Pregnant;
* History of serious neurological illness (e.g., Chronic seizure disorder, Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome, Epilepsy, Any history of seizures, Other \[please specify\]);
* Inability to see text and photos clearly on the computer display;
* Current or previous problems using opioids, other prescription (prescribed or not prescribed) or illicit drugs;
* Regular nicotine user (e.g., cigarette smoker, e-cig user) within the past 12 months; and
* Unwillingness to change hairstyle (e.g., braids, pony tails, dreadlocks) or remove wig to accommodate application of the EEG headset, if necessary.

Where this trial is running

Minneapolis, Minnesota

• University of Minnesota - Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Health — Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States (RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Justin Anker, PhD — University of Minnesota
• Study coordinator: Scott Burwell, PhD

Conditions: Opioid Use Disorder, biofeedback, neurofeedback, electroencephalogram, addiction, substance use disorder, opioid use disorder, attention