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

NCT ID NCT06585709

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.

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

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • Duke University

    RECRUITING

    Durham, North Carolina, 27705, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact