Combining tDCS with cognitive training for people on buprenorphine for opioid use disorder
Combined tDCS and Cognitive Training as an Adjunctive Treatment in Opioid Use Disorder
NA · University of Minnesota · NCT07158853
This study will test whether adding mild brain stimulation (tDCS) combined with cognitive training helps people on buprenorphine for opioid use disorder reduce cravings and support recovery.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 160 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Minnesota (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Minneapolis, Minnesota) |
| Trial ID | NCT07158853 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Adults receiving buprenorphine maintenance for opioid use disorder will receive either active transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) paired with cognitive training or a sham stimulation paired with the same training. The intervention is delivered over multiple sessions while participants remain in their addiction treatment program. Outcomes will focus on clinical measures related to substance use, cognitive functioning, and retention in treatment. Participants with unstable psychotic disorders, certain neurological injuries, or contraindications to tDCS/MRI are excluded.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults diagnosed with opioid use disorder who are currently on buprenorphine maintenance and able to consent and comply with study procedures are eligible.
Not a fit: People with contraindications to tDCS or MRI, a history of seizures or certain neurological injuries, or active psychotic disorders are excluded and unlikely to benefit from the intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could offer a non-drug adjunct to buprenorphine that helps reduce cravings and improve recovery outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: Previous small clinical and pilot studies combining neuromodulation or cognitive training in substance use disorders have shown mixed but sometimes promising results, while larger confirmatory trials remain limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * ability to provide consent and comply with study procedures * Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders criteria for OUD * undergoing buprenorphine maintenance treatment. Participants may have current comorbid drug use, but primary diagnosis must be OUD * Intention to remain in the addiction treatment program until intervention completion. Exclusion Criteria: * Any medical condition with neurological sequelae * head injury resulting in skull fracture or loss of consciousness of \>30 minutes * any tDCS or MRI contraindication (tDCS: history of seizures, metallic cranial plates/screws or implanted device, history of eczema on scalp. MRI: unapproved metallic implants, pacemakers or any other implanted electrical device, shrapnel, metallic braces, non-removable body piercings, pregnancy, breathing or movement disorder, or claustrophobia) * any psychotic disorder (participants with other treated and stable psychiatric disorders will be included) * presence of a condition that would render study measures impossible to administer or interpret * age younger than 18 * primary current substance use disorder on a substance other than opioids except for caffeine or nicotine * court mandated treatment * pregnancy * disrespectful behavior towards the investigators and staff.
Where this trial is running
Minneapolis, Minnesota
- University of Minnesota — Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jazmin Camchong, PhD — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Clarista Berg
- Email: berg2920@umn.edu
- Phone: 952-444-0137
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Opioid Use Disorder, Buprenorphine