Brain training may restore joy in opioid recovery

NCT ID NCT07768007

NEW Not yet recruiting Symptom relief Sponsor: Yale University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Aug 17, 2026 · Last updated Aug 17, 2026

Summary

This study tests whether a brain-training technique called neurofeedback can help people with opioid use disorder who are on methadone feel more pleasure and recall positive memories. Participants learn to control their brain activity using real-time fMRI scans, a method that has shown promise in depression. The goal is to see if this approach is tolerable and to gather early data on its effects.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: real-time functional magnetic resonance imaging (rt-fMRI) neurofeedback
What this could lead to: If this works, it could offer a non-drug way to ease anhedonia and improve quality of life for people recovering from opioid use disorder.
What could go wrong: This is a very early feasibility study with only a few participants, so results may not apply broadly. The intervention may be hard to tolerate or may not reduce anhedonia in this population.

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 substance-related disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

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

SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER (SUD)

Contacts and locations

Locations

APT Foundation

New Haven, Connecticut, 06520, United States

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