Zapping the brain to make better choices: a new hope for opioid addiction?

NCT ID NCT06577454

Terminated Knowledge-focused Sponsor: National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Aug 14, 2026 · Updated 35 times

Summary

This study looks at whether transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) can change how people with opioid use disorder and healthy volunteers make risky or uncertain decisions. Participants will have MRI scans and computer tasks, and some will receive real or sham TMS. The goal is to understand brain activity linked to decision-making, not to directly treat addiction. The study is very early and currently on hold.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)
What this could lead to: If successful, this could point toward a non-drug brain stimulation approach to help people with opioid use disorder make better decisions and manage their use.
What could go wrong: This is a very early, small study (only 2 participants) that is currently suspended. It is designed to understand brain activity, not to test a treatment, so direct benefits are uncertain.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for HEALTHY VOLUNTEERS are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

opiate dependence

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

HEALTHY VOLUNTEERS OPIOID-USE DISORDER

Contacts and locations

Locations

National Institute on Drug Abuse

Baltimore, Maryland, 21224, United States

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.