Using tDCS (mild brain stimulation) to reduce vaping

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

Adults aged 18–65 who have used nicotine e-cigarettes daily for at least six months and are not planning to quit will be enrolled at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto. Participants will receive either active tDCS or sham (placebo) tDCS and will attend daily stimulation sessions Monday through Friday for two consecutive weeks. The study will measure changes in vaping craving and behavior around the stimulation period. People with other substance use disorders, current tobacco or nicotine-replacement use, unstable psychiatric conditions, recent significant head trauma, or seizure history are excluded.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* The participant must meet all of the inclusion criteria to be eligible for this research study:

  1. Be able to provide informed written consent
  2. Stated willingness to comply with all study procedures
  3. Age 18 - 65 years
  4. Is a daily regular use of nicotine-containing e-cigarette for at least the past 6 months
  5. Is willing to attend daily appointments for tDCS for two consecutive weeks (Monday through Friday)
  6. Is not interested in or planning to quit vaping in the next 30 days.

Exclusion Criteria:

* An individual who meets any of the following criteria will be excluded from participation in this research study:

  1. Substance use disorder (other than nicotine dependence) (M.I.N.I. SCID) (confirmed with urine drug screen)
  2. Current regular use of tobacco cigarettes, nicotine replacement therapy or other medications for smoking cessation
  3. Unstable psychiatric condition
  4. Recent clinically significant head trauma\*
  5. History of seizures and/or epilepsy\*
  6. Pacemakers or implanted electrical devices such as cochlear implants\*
  7. Metal embedded in the skull\*
  8. Skin lesions, open wounds, bruising, or similar injuries on the scalp\*

Where it's running

• Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
  Toronto, Ontario, Canada Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Eunice Chen, M.Sc.
• Email: yixuan.chen@camh.ca
• Phone: (416) 535-8501

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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.