Zapping the brain to beat opioid addiction: new trial tests rTMS

NCT ID NCT06585709

Recruiting now Disease control Sponsor: Duke University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study at Duke University is testing whether a brain scan (MRI) can predict who will successfully quit opioids using buprenorphine, and whether adding brain stimulation (rTMS) to the treatment helps more than a sham version. 80 adults with opioid use disorder who are starting buprenorphine will receive either real or placebo rTMS for up to 30 sessions. Researchers will track who stays opioid-free for 12 weeks.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS)
What this could lead to: If successful, this could provide a new, non-drug brain stimulation method to help people with opioid use disorder stay off opioids when combined with standard medication.
What could go wrong: This is an early-stage study with only 80 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The rTMS is compared to a sham (placebo) and may not provide additional benefit over buprenorphine alone.

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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.

OPIOID-USE DISORDER

Contacts and locations

Locations

Duke University
RECRUITING

Durham, North Carolina, 27705, United States

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