Zapping the brain to kick the habit: new trial tests rTMS for smoking cessation

Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.

Inclusion Criteria * Be between the ages of 22 and 70 years old. * Smoke 10 or more cigarettes per day and have a carbon monoxide (CO) level \> 10 ppm indicative of recent smoking. * Have not received substance abuse treatment within the previous 30 days. * Meet the criteria for tobacco use disorder as determined by DSM-5. * Be in stable mental and physical health. * If female, test non-pregnant and use adequate birth control. * Show no evidence of focal or diffuse brain lesions on MRI. * Be willing to provide informed consent. * Be able to comply with protocol requirements and likely to complete all study procedures. * Be motivated to quit smoking (based on responses of "very likely," or "somewhat likely" in the motivation questionnaire). Exclusion Criteria * Current moderate to severe substance use of any psychoactive substances other than nicotine or caffeine, as defined by DSM-V criteria. * Contraindications to MRI (e.g., presence of metal in the skull, orbital or intracranial cavity, or having claustrophobia). * Contraindication to rTMS. * History of autoimmune, endocrine, viral, or vascular disorders affecting the brain. * History or MRI evidence of neurological disorder that would lead to local or diffuse brain lesions or significant physical impairment. * Unstable cardiac disease, uncontrolled hypertension, severe renal or liver insufficiency, or sleep apnea. * Lifetime history of major Axis I disorders such as: bipolar affective disorder (BPAD), schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), dementia, suicidal ideation or major depression. * Self-report of \>21 standard alcohol drinks per week in any week in the 30 days prior to screening. * Use of other forms of nicotine delivery, such as nicotine patches, electronic cigarettes, gum, nasal spray, inhalers, and nicotine lozenges. * Use of other tobacco products, including cigars, cigarillos, chew, snuff, and pouches/snus. * Previous treatment with TMS.