Could a neck device curb opioid withdrawal?

NCT ID NCT05834478

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

Summary

This study tests whether a non-invasive device that stimulates the vagus nerve in the neck can reduce withdrawal symptoms in people with opioid use disorder. About 103 participants will stay in the hospital for a week, receive either active or sham stimulation, and have brain scans. The goal is to see if the device makes withdrawal less severe and helps people stick with treatment.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

transcutaneous cervical vagal nerve stimulation (tcVNS) device

What this could lead to

If it works, this could offer a drug-free way to reduce opioid withdrawal symptoms and help people stay in treatment.

What could go wrong

This is still a small, early-phase trial with only 103 participants, and the device may not work better than a sham. The study also requires an inpatient stay and MRI, which may limit who can take part.

Disclaimer Read more

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.

opiate dependence opioid abuse substance withdrawal syndrome

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • 12 Executive Park Drive

    RECRUITING

    Atlanta, Georgia, 30329, United States

  • Emory University

    RECRUITING

    Atlanta, Georgia, 30329, United States

  • Emory University Clinical Research Network

    RECRUITING

    Atlanta, Georgia, 30322, United States

  • Georgia Institute of Technology

    RECRUITING

    Atlanta, Georgia, 30332, United States

  • Health Sciences Research Building

    NOT_YET_RECRUITING

    Atlanta, Georgia, 30322, United States

  • Rollins School of Public Health

    RECRUITING

    Atlanta, Georgia, 30322, United States