Could a gentle brain zapper curb opioid cravings?

NCT ID NCT06432465

Recruiting now Disease control Sponsor: Butler Hospital Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 29, 2026 · Last updated Jun 30, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called tDCS can reduce opioid cravings and prevent relapse. Researchers will compare active stimulation to a sham (fake) version in 100 adults with opioid use disorder who recently started medication like buprenorphine or methadone. The goal is to see if targeting the prefrontal cortex can strengthen self-control and lower the chance of returning to opioid use.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a non-drug way to help people with opioid use disorder resist cravings and avoid relapse.
What could go wrong: This is a mid-stage trial with 100 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The stimulation may cause discomfort or fail to reduce relapse rates.

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

Butler Hospital
RECRUITING

Providence, Rhode Island, 02906, United States

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