Brain zaps to beat addiction? VA tests rTMS for stimulant relapse

NCT ID NCT07112105

Not yet recruiting Disease control Sponsor: VA Office of Research and Development Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tests whether repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), a non-invasive brain stimulation technique, can help veterans with severe stimulant use disorder avoid relapse. Over 2 weeks, 106 participants will receive either real or sham rTMS, and researchers will track relapse rates and brain changes using fMRI. There is currently no FDA-approved treatment for this condition.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could provide a new, non-invasive treatment option for stimulant use disorder, helping people avoid relapse.
What could go wrong: This is an early-stage trial with only 106 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The sham control group helps test effectiveness, but the treatment may not prove better than placebo.

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

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As listed by the trial registrant

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

STIMULANT USE DISORDER

Contacts and locations

Locations

VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA

Palo Alto, California, 94304-1207, United States

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