Using brain stimulation to reduce cravings in chemsex patients
Effectiveness of tDCS on Reducing Craving in Patients Practicing Chemsex: a Single-center, Double-blind, Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial
This study is testing if a brain stimulation treatment can help people involved in chemsex reduce their cravings for drugs.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Dijon Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Dijon) |
| Trial ID | NCT05945199 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial evaluates the effectiveness of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) in reducing cravings for psychoactive substances among individuals engaged in chemsex. The study is designed as a single-center, double-blind, randomized controlled pilot trial, where participants will receive either the tDCS treatment or a placebo. The primary goal is to modulate brain activity related to substance craving and uncontrolled sexual behavior, potentially leading to improved health outcomes. Participants will be assessed for risk behaviors and cravings throughout the trial.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who are motivated to change their chemsex behavior and have a history of using specific psychoactive substances.
Not a fit: Patients with substance use disorders unrelated to chemsex or those with acute psychiatric conditions may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly reduce cravings for psychoactive substances and improve the overall health and safety of individuals practicing chemsex.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of tDCS is a novel approach in this context, similar studies have shown promise in other areas of addiction treatment.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patient who provides written consent * Patient aged ≥ 18 years * Patient motivated and willing to change chemsex behavior, assessed by examiner during screening and inclusion visits * Patient using at least one of the following psychoactive substances to modify sexual performance and/or experience: * Cathinones, or methamphetamine, or MDMA, or cocaine, or ketamine, or GBL/GHB * ≥ 1 time per month over the past 6 months and/or ≥ 10 times over the past year Exclusion Criteria: * Patient with a substance use disorder not involved in the practice of chemsex * Patient with a recent change (\< 1 month) in the prescription of a psychotropic treatment * Patient presenting an acute psychiatric condition requiring hospitalization and/or immediate modification of a psychotropic treatment * Patients with unstable or uncontrolled neuropsychiatric disease * Patients with a history of epileptic seizures * Patients with unexplained episodes of loss of consciousness, as this condition may be linked to cerebral alterations or epilepsy * Patients with advanced or decompensated somatic pathology, requiring hospitalization expected during study follow-up * Patients suffering from any serious life-threatening illness, such as congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or active neoplasia * Patients with implanted cerebral medical devices, implanted pacemakers, or any electrically, magnetically or mechanically activated implant. * Patients with cardiac, neural or drug implants * Patients with vascular clips or other electrically sensitive support systems in the brain * Patients with severe brain lesions * Patients with skin lesions at stimulation sites * Patients with skin problems such as dermatitis, psoriasis or eczema * Patients with severe or frequent headaches * Patients who have already benefited from tDCS sessions * Pregnant, parturient or breast-feeding women (pregnancy test) * Staff working in the addictology department of Dijon University Hospital * Patient participating in another clinical trial * Patient not affiliated to national health insurance * Patient unable to complete assessment scales * Patient under psychiatric care without consent or under legal protection (guardianship, curatorship) * Major incapable or unable to provide consent
Where this trial is running
Dijon
- CHU Dijon Bourgogne — Dijon, France (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Benjamin PETIT
- Email: benjamin.petit@chu-dijon.fr
- Phone: 03.80.29.35.24
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.