Zapping the brain to fight opioid cravings: small study shows promise

NCT ID NCT05049460

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Gopalkumar Rakesh Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

nicotine dependence opiate dependence

As listed by the trial registrant

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

OPIOID-USE DISORDER TOBACCO USE DISORDER

Contacts and locations

Locations

245 Fountain Court

Lexington, Kentucky, 40513, United States

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