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Neuromodulation and Cognitive Training for Substance Use Disorders

This study is testing a new approach called tDCS-Augmented Cognitive Training to help people with stimulant or alcohol use disorder. tDCS (transcranial direct current stimulation) is a device that applies a mild electrical current to the scalp, and it's combined with computer-based cognitive training. The goal is to improve brain function and reduce the chance of relapse. You could be eligible if you are 18-65 years old, have been abstinent from substances or alcohol (excluding caffeine/nicotine) for at least 3 weeks, and plan to stay in your treatment program. The study will measure success by looking at the percentage of participants with clean drug screens after 2 months. The current status of this study is unclear, and it aims to enroll 80 participants.

Study design
This is an interventional study where all participants receive cognitive training and are then randomly assigned to receive either active tDCS or a sham (inactive) tDCS device. The study plans to enroll 80 participants.
What's involved
You would participate in cognitive training on a computer and receive either active or sham tDCS. You must also intend to remain in your treatment program until the end of the intervention.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
The primary outcome of the study is measured at 2 months after the intervention.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT04426214

Neuromodulation and Cognitive Training for Substance Use Disorders

Terminated
NAAges 18–65InterventionalTreatment
University of Minnesota
~33 participants
Updated 2026-08-10 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:tDCSCognitive Training

At a glance

Recruiting sites
0 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Percent of participants with clean drug screens
Measured over 2 months

Conditions

Stimulant Use
Alcohol Use Disorder

Explore related trials

Alcohol use disorderStimulant use disorder

Where it's being run

1 sites across 1 states
Minnesota1

Study leadership

  • Kelvin Lim, MD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · University of Minnesota

Who to contact

This trial hasn't published a contact. View it on ClinicalTrials.gov

Do you actually qualify for this trial?

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

Abstinent from any substance or alcohol use (excluding caffeine or nicotine) for a minimum of 3 weeks at study enrollment
Has the intention to remain in their treatment program(s) until the end of the intervention portion of the study.
Able to provide written consent and comply with study procedures.
Meets the MINI 7 diagnostic criteria for either stimulant use disorder (SUD) or alcohol use disorder (AUD).

Exclusion

Any medical condition or treatment with neurological sequelae (i.e. stroke, tumor, HIV)
Over 9 months of abstinence from substance use
A head injury resulting in a loss of consciousness exceeding 30 minutes (i.e., moderate or severe TBI)
Presence of a condition that would render study measures difficult or impossible to administer or interpret
Age outside the range of 18 to 65
Entrance to the treatment program under a court mandate. (i.e. legally incarcerated)
History of ECT or cortical energy exposure within the past 6 months, including participation in any other neuromodulation studies

What this trial measures

  • Percent of participants with clean drug screens2 months