Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 to 65

Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Stimulant Use Disorder in Veterans

Official title: Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Treatment of Stimulant Use Disorder

Run by VA Office of Research and Development · NCT07112105 · Data updated 2026-11-12

A randomized, placebo-controlled test to see if rTMS helps veterans with stimulant use disorder see reduced use and improved outcomes.

More Stimulant Use Disorder trials

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
Enrollment106 (estimated)
SponsorVA Office of Research and Development
Federal
Locations1 site (Palo Alto, California)
StatusRecruiting
StartedMay 1, 2026
Main results expectedDecember 31, 2029
Study endsDecember 31, 2029
Registry record updatedSeptember 11, 2026
Trial IDNCT07112105 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

U.S. veterans with DSM-confirmed severe stimulant use disorder, last stimulant use between 2 and 8 weeks prior, and stable medications and health.

Probably not a fit

Individuals with seizure risk, incompatible implants, or unstable medical or psychiatric conditions may not benefit and could be excluded.

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

What this trial studies

This trial tests repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) as a somatic treatment for veterans with severe stimulant use disorder. Participants receive either active rTMS or sham treatment in a controlled setting, with biomarker analysis to help predict who may respond. The study aims to identify biological indicators that guide patient selection and forecast treatment response. Eligibility is limited to U.S. veterans with DSM-confirmed stimulant use disorder and stable health, with specific exclusions to minimize seizure risk. Conducted at VA Palo Alto and Stanford University settings, led by the VA Office of Research and Development.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, rTMS could offer a non-drug treatment option to help reduce stimulant use and improve related health outcomes for veterans.

How similar studies have gone: Prior studies in neuromodulation for substance use have shown potential signals of benefit, but this exact approach in veterans with stimulant use disorder is investigational.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Must be a U.S. Veteran
* Structured Clinical Interview for DSM Disorders (SCID) confirmed diagnosis of SUD, severe
* Last use of stimulants \>2 and \<8 weeks
* Stable medication regimen (no change in dose or agents between 2 weeks prior to the start of and throughout the treatment phase of the study)
* Stable medical health

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pregnant or lactating female
* History of prior adverse reaction to Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)
* On medications thought to significantly lower seizure threshold, e.g. clozapine, chlorpromazine, clomipramine, and bupropion \> 400mg/day
* Seizure disorder or conditions known to substantially increase risk for seizures
* Implants or medical devices incompatible with TMS
* Acute or unstable chronic medical illness that would affect participation or compliance in the study, e.g. unstable angina
* Unstable psychiatric symptoms that precludes consistent participation in the study, e.g. active current suicidal intent or plan; severe psychosis
* Other substance use disorder not in remission
* Chronic or recurring Axis I psychotic disorders
* For subjects participating in functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans, presence of ferromagnetic material in their body or taking DAergic medications

Where it's running

  • VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA
    Palo Alto, California, United States
    Recruiting

Study contacts

  • Principal investigator: Jong H. Yoon, MD — VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA
  • Study coordinator: Jong H Yoon, MD
  • Email: Jong.Yoon@va.gov
  • Phone: (650) 493-5000

Similar studies

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

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.