Can a 4-Minute light zap to the brain help fight opioid addiction?

NCT ID NCT05995873

Completed Disease control Sponsor: MindLight, LLC Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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.

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.

opiate dependence

As listed by the trial registrant

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

OPIOID-USE DISORDER

Contacts and locations

Locations

MindLight, LLC

Newton Highlands, Massachusetts, 02461, United States

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