HD-tDCS during CBT for Cocaine Use Disorder

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This open-label feasibility study explores the safety and practicality of using high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) over the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in combination with cognitive behavioral therapy for adults with moderate to severe cocaine use disorder. The goal is to determine whether this neurobiological approach can support CBT by improving cognitive function and treatment engagement. Participants receive HD-tDCS while undergoing standard CBT, under monitored conditions, to assess tolerability, adherence, and potential signals of benefit. The trial will inform future larger studies on whether this combined approach can reduce cocaine use and enhance cognitive performance in this population. Enrollment is limited to adults aged 18-65 meeting DSM-5 criteria for cocain e use disorder with a positive urine screen at screening.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria

* Between 18 and 65 years-of-age.
* Meet current DSM-5 criteria for Cocaine Use Disorder (CocUD), moderate or severe
* Professed interest in CocUD treatment or reducing cocaine use.
* Understand and comply with study procedures
* Positive urine result for cocaine metabolite in at least one screening visit.

Exclusion Criteria

* Current DSM-5 diagnosis of any non-cocaine substance use disorder (SUD) other than alcohol use disorder-mild or cannabis use disorder-mild
* Epilepsy or a history of multiple seizures
* Taking any medications known to reduce seizure threshold
* History of migraines, ringing in the ears, and/or a head injury that resulted in a diagnosis of concussion and/or loss of consciousness
* Current scalp condition (e.g. psoriasis) or head wound that has not completely healed
* Currently pregnant or hoping to become pregnant at any point during the study
* Significant current suicidal or homicidal ideation
* Metal plate in skull or other embedded metal fragments in body or other bodily metal
* Claustrophobia or other MRI contraindications
* Fitted with electrical implants such as pacemaker
* Present with clinically significant symptoms of acute cocaine or opioid withdrawal (these individuals would be rescheduled after resolution of acute withdrawal, if possible).

Where it's running

• Virginia Commonwealth University
  Richmond, Virginia, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: James Bjork — Virginia Commonwealth University
• Study coordinator: Brooke Moorman
• Email: dneurolab@vcu.edu
• Phone: 804-828-6494

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

• Imaging Brain Mitochondrial Complex-I in Cocaine Use Disorder

  This study uses a PET scan with [F-18]BCPP-EF to see how mitochondrial Complex-I activity in the brain differs between people with cocaine use disorder and healthy controls.

  Recruiting Early Phase 1 University of Pittsburgh · Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania · NCT07773649

• Mild electrical brain stimulation (tDCS) with cognitive training to reduce cocaine cravings.

  This trial will test whether brief sessions of mild electrical brain stimulation (tDCS) combined with cognitive reappraisal training can lower craving in adults receiving inpatient treatment for cocaine use disorder.

  Recruiting Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai · New York, New York · NCT07318480

• Clonidine to reduce craving in hospitalized people with cocaine or crack use disorder

  This will try clonidine versus clonazepam to see if clonidine lowers craving in people hospitalized for cocaine or crack use disorder.

  Recruiting Phase 4 University of Sao Paulo General Hospital · São Paulo, São Paulo · NCT07313371

• Semaglutide plus cognitive behavioral therapy for cocaine use disorder

  This trial will test whether adding semaglutide (a GLP-1 medication) to cognitive behavioral therapy helps adults with cocaine use disorder reduce craving and use.

  Recruiting Phase 2 The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston · Houston, Texas · NCT07227948

• How cocaine use and stopping affects sleep and daily rhythms

  This study tries to see how cocaine use and stopping change sleep and circadian rhythms in adults entering supervised inpatient detoxification.

  Recruiting at 2 sites Hôpital le Vinatier · Bron, AURA and 2 other locations · NCT07119567

• Cue-reactivity incubation and cognitive reappraisal in cocaine use disorder

  This project will see if practicing cognitive reappraisal reduces cue-triggered brain responses and cravings in people with cocaine use disorder who are early in abstinence.

  Recruiting Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai · New York, New York · NCT07091877

How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.