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

NCT ID NCT06577454

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jul 01, 2026 · Updated 4 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.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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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.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • National Institute on Drug Abuse

    Baltimore, Maryland, 21224, United States