Brain zaps for addiction: new study targets relapse with personalized implants
NCT ID NCT06973512
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This pilot study tests a personalized deep brain stimulation (DBS) method for people with severe, treatment-resistant substance use disorders. Ten participants will first undergo detox, then have temporary electrodes placed in their brains to map addiction-related circuits, followed by permanent DBS implantation. The goal is to see if this approach is safe and feasible, with participants followed for one year.
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Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 10 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Nov 2024
- Expected to finish
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Jan 2028
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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25 to 65 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Adult, Age 25-65 * Severe DSM-5 substance use disorder (SUD) as assessed by Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 (SCID-5) * Treatment refractory as evidenced by non-response to an adequate trial of ≥2 evidence-based treatment modalities for their substance use disorder in the most recent 3 years of illness, as determined by the study clinical team * Able to comply with study visit schedule and timeline * Stable housing and reliable transportation * Treatment-seeking (\>7 on a 0-10 readiness ruler and open to the end-of-treatment outcome of abstinence) * Capable of understanding and providing informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Contraindications to neurosurgical interventions such as major medical co-morbidities, including uncontrolled hypertension, coagulopathy, severe diabetes, major organ system failure, active infection or history of implant-related infections, immunocompromised state, or malignancy with \<5 years life expectancy * Contraindications for MRI, including implanted metallic devices (e.g., non-MRI-safe cardiac pacemaker or neurostimulator; some artificial joints metal pins; surgical clips; or other implanted metal parts), or claustrophobia or discomfort in confined spaces * Cardiac pacemaker/defibrillator, or other implanted stimulator * Presence of epilepsy, stroke, or degenerative disorder of the nervous system * Serious problems with literacy, vision, or hearing
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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.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Centre for Addiction and Mental Health / Toronto Western Hospital
RECRUITINGToronto, Ontario, 399 Bathurst St, Canada
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