Brain zapping without surgery shows promise for nicotine cravings
NCT ID NCT07210268
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Sep 11, 2026 · Updated 3 times
Summary
This study tests a new, non-invasive brain stimulation method called temporal interference (TI) to reduce nicotine cravings and vaping. 120 adults who vape heavily will receive either real TI stimulation to deep brain areas linked to addiction or a sham (fake) treatment during a single session. Researchers will measure cravings and vaping behavior during and for one week after the session to see if TI can help people cut back.
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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 120 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Jan 2026
- Expected to finish
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Feb 2027
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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21 to 50 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Between the ages of 21 and 50 * Nicotine dependent and vape at least 15 mg nicotine per day * Must have a phone with internet access * Participants must have at least a 6th grade education and be able to speak and read English Exclusion Criteria: * History of seizures, seizure disorders, or familial history of seizure disorders * History of intractable migraine or complicated migraine syndromes * History of suicide attempts or active suicidal ideation (past month) * History of cardiac arrhythmias, prolonged QT, pacemakers, or cardiovascular disorders * Hypertension with systolic BP \>150mmHgCentral nervous system structural lesions (tumors, MS, strokes, etc.) * Active neuropsychiatric disorders (schizophrenia, bipolar, active psychosis, dementia, etc.) * History of head trauma with loss of consciousness, skull fractures, subdural hematomas * Active opioid, cocaine, and/or methamphetamine use * Active severe cannabis use disorder * Active alcohol use disorder or history of alcohol withdrawal * Metal implants in the head or under the scalp (excluding dental implants) * Current smoking cessation treatment or medications affecting reward processing * Pregnancy
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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
2 sites. 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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Indiana University
RECRUITINGBloomington, Indiana, 47403, United States
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Indiana University School of Medicine - Goodman Hall
RECRUITINGIndianapolis, Indiana, 46202, United States
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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