Zapping addiction: brain stimulation shows promise for amphetamine users

NCT ID NCT06165198

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested a new way to stimulate the brain in people addicted to amphetamines. Nine adults received closed-loop transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS), which adjusts the stimulation based on their real-time brain activity. The goal was to improve executive control, measured by a stop-signal task. This early research aims to find better treatments for addiction.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

closed-loop transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) device

What this could lead to

If it works, this could point toward a personalized brain-stimulation treatment to help people with amphetamine addiction regain self-control.

What could go wrong

This was a very small study with only 9 participants, so results may not apply widely. The approach is still experimental and needs much larger trials to confirm any benefit.

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.

amphetamine abuse

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Shanghai Mental Health Center

    Shanghai, Shanghai Municipality, 200000, China