Can a 4-Minute light zap to the brain help fight opioid addiction?
NCT ID NCT05995873
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This completed trial tested a new approach for opioid use disorder: shining a specific type of near-infrared light on the scalp for just 4 minutes. The idea is to stimulate a healthier side of the brain to reduce addiction. Researchers compared the active light treatment to a sham (fake) device in 130 adults who were actively using opioids, giving treatments once or twice a week for 25 weeks.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
near-infrared light applied to the scalp (transcranial photobiomodulation)
What this could lead to
If it works, this could offer a new, non-drug treatment option to help people reduce opioid use and manage addiction.
What could go wrong
This is an early-stage study with no phase designation, and the results are not yet known. The treatment is experimental and may not prove effective compared to the sham device.
Disclaimer
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This is a summary of
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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MindLight, LLC
Newton Highlands, Massachusetts, 02461, United States