Can zapping the brain and taking a common drug stop cocaine cravings?
NCT ID NCT04155632
First seen Nov 01, 2025 · Last updated Jun 23, 2026 · Updated 37 times
Summary
This study tested whether combining a brain stimulation technique called theta burst stimulation (TBS) with the medication N-acetylcysteine (NAC) could reduce cocaine cravings and brain responses to cocaine-related images. Thirty-two adults with cocaine use disorder participated while in treatment. Researchers measured changes in brain activity and self-reported cravings before and after the intervention.
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the original study
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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.
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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Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Medical University of South Carolina
Charleston, South Carolina, 29425, United States
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and theta burst stimulation (TBS)
What this could lead to
If successful, this approach could point toward a new way to reduce cocaine cravings and help people stay in recovery.
What could go wrong
This is a small, early-phase study with only 32 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The treatment combination may not work better than existing options.
Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.