Zapping the brain to fight opioid cravings: small study shows promise
NCT ID NCT05049460
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tested whether a type of brain stimulation called theta burst stimulation (TBS) could reduce cravings and attention to drug-related cues in 23 people with both opioid and tobacco use disorders. Participants received four sessions of real or fake TBS in one day while their cravings and eye movements were measured. The goal was to see if TBS could help them focus less on smoking and opioid triggers.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
Theta burst stimulation (TBS) - a type of brain stimulation using magnetic pulses
What this could lead to
If it works, this could point toward a non-drug way to help people with opioid and tobacco addiction manage cravings and reduce relapse risk.
What could go wrong
This is a very small, early study with only 23 participants. The results may not apply to everyone, and the effects on real-world drug use are unknown.
Disclaimer
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the original study
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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.
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.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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245 Fountain Court
Lexington, Kentucky, 40513, United States