Brain zapping therapy could curb meth addiction in veterans

NCT ID NCT06578429

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

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether deep transcranial magnetic stimulation (dTMS) can help veterans with methamphetamine use disorder. Researchers will stimulate a brain region called the insula, which is involved in cravings and decision-making. Thirty veterans will receive either real or sham stimulation to see if it reduces meth use and changes brain activity.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (dTMS) using the H4 coil
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a non-drug treatment to help people reduce or stop methamphetamine use.
What could go wrong: This is a very small, early-stage trial with only 30 participants. It may not show a clear benefit, and results may not apply to non-veterans.

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.

methamphetamine dependence Recurrence

As listed by the trial registrant

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

METHAMPHETAMINE USE DISORDER TRANSCRANIAL MAGNETIC STIMULATION

Contacts and locations

Locations

VA Palo Alto Health Care System
RECRUITING

Palo Alto, California, 94304, United States

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