Examining mood and decision-making in people with methamphetamine use disorder

Modulating Explore-exploit Biases by Improving Mood in Adults With Methamphetamine Use Disorder

Not applicable Interventional Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Inc. · NCT06410196

This study tests if improving mood through memory recall can help people with methamphetamine use disorder make better decisions and feel less cravings while they are in treatment.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment80 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorLaureate Institute for Brain Research, Inc. Academic / other
Locations1 site (Tulsa, Oklahoma)
Trial IDNCT06410196 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This project investigates how mood affects decision-making in individuals with methamphetamine use disorder (MUD) by utilizing autobiographical memory recall to improve mood. The study involves a randomized double-blind, sham-controlled trial with 80 adults currently in abstinence treatment centers. Participants will engage in decision-making tasks before and after mood modulation to assess changes in their decision-making processes and associated brain activity. The goal is to determine if enhancing positive affect can lead to better decision-making and reduced cravings for methamphetamine.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-65 with a recent diagnosis of methamphetamine use disorder who are currently enrolled in treatment.

Not a fit: Patients with severe psychiatric disorders or significant medical conditions that interfere with study participation may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to improved decision-making and reduced relapse rates in patients with methamphetamine use disorder.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using mood modulation through memory recall is innovative, similar studies have shown promise in improving decision-making in other substance use disorders.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Adults 18-65 years old
* English proficiency as evaluated by language ability during screening
* Past-year diagnosis of DSM-5 methamphetamine use disorder (MUD) confirmed by the MINI
* Actively enrolled in treatment for substance use disorder.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Severe traumatic brain injury (as indicated by a score ≥3 on the Tulsa Head Injury Screen
* Any medical condition interfering with the participation in the study as determined by medical screening
* DSM-5 diagnosis of psychotic disorders, bipolar I disorder, or major depressive disorder with psychosis
* fMRI contraindications as listed on the MR environment screening form
* Positive breathalyzer for alcohol
* Positive urine drug screening, except for cannabis or prescribed benzodiazepines, as indicated in the medical screening
* Evidence of inability to comply with study procedures based on judgement of the experimenter.

Where this trial is running

Tulsa, Oklahoma

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Methamphetamine Abuse
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.