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.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 106 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | VA Office of Research and Development Federal |
| Locations | 1 site (Palo Alto, California) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | May 1, 2026 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2029 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2029 |
| Registry record updated | September 11, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07112105 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
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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.
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This study tests whether adding the DynamiCare mobile app plus patient navigation helps people released from justice settings who use stimulants to start HIV care (ART/PrEP) and reduce stimulant use.
-
Smartphone support for stimulant use disorder
This program will test whether two different smartphone app services can help adults with stimulant use disorder (cocaine, crack, or meth) reduce use and need for medical care while using the apps at home.
-
Optimizing brain stimulation techniques for stimulant use disorder
This study is testing different brain stimulation techniques to see if they can help adults with stimulant use disorder who have recently stopped using drugs.
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Integrated care for hospitalized patients with opioid and stimulant use disorders and infections
This study tests if a new combined care approach for patients with infections from using opioids or stimulants can help them stay healthier and avoid going back to the hospital compared to regular treatment.
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Effects of a sleep medication on cravings and stress in stimulant use disorder
This study is testing whether a sleep medication can help people in early recovery from stimulant use feel less stressed and have fewer cravings while they are in a treatment program.
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This study is testing if the medication Mirtazapine can help people with opioid use disorder reduce their methamphetamine use while they receive standard treatment.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.