Using brain stimulation to reduce opioid relapse

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 study investigates the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on opioid-dependent individuals who have recently started treatment with buprenorphine or methadone. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either active tDCS combined with cognitive control network priming or a sham treatment over five sessions. The study aims to assess long-term neurobehavioral outcomes, including rates of opioid relapse and craving, using electroencephalographic (EEG) measurements at multiple time points. The goal is to understand how tDCS can influence brain activity related to craving and cognitive control in this population.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

1. current opioid dependence
2. between 21-60 years of age
3. recent initiation of buprenorphine or methadone (≤90 days)
4. enrolled in Butler Hospital's Alcohol and Drug Inpatient Unit, Alcohol and Drug Partial Hospital Treatment Program, Intensive Outpatient Services, or Outpatient Services at Butler Hospital OR receive opioid-treatment services in the community.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. current diagnosis of organic brain disorder (e.g., Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, multiple sclerosis, intracranial mass/infection, hydrocephalus)
2. bipolar, schizophrenia, schizoaffective, or schizophreniform disorder, or current psychosis associated with any disorder
3. current suicidality
4. evidence of significant neurocognitive dysfunction
5. conditions associated with heightened tDCS risks, e.g., seizure disorder, nonremovable intracranial metal objects (other than dental fillings and dental implants), skin disease or active lesions on the scalp, migraine/other headache disorder with significant active symptoms, traumatic brain injury or skull fracture within the past year, any implanted medical devices or device components that can interact with electromagnetic fields or are controlled by physiological signals
6. probation/parole requirements or an upcoming move that might interfere with protocol participation
7. planning to terminate buprenorphine or methadone in less than 3 months
8. current pregnancy or plan to become pregnant in the next month.

Where it's running

• Butler Hospital
  Providence, Rhode Island, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Abrantes Abrantes, Ph.D. — Butler Hospital
• Study coordinator: Ana M Abrantes, Ph.D.
• Email: ana_abrantes@brown.edu
• Phone: 4014556440

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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.