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rTMS for Opioid and Alcohol Use Disorders

This study is testing a treatment called repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) for people with opioid use disorder (OUD) or alcohol use disorder (AUD). rTMS is a non-invasive (doesn't involve surgery) way to stimulate specific areas of the brain using magnetic fields. The researchers want to see which types of rTMS and which brain areas are most effective at reducing opioid or alcohol use. They will also assess if this treatment can be successfully offered in a residential treatment center. You may be able to join if you are 18-60 years old, can give informed consent in English, have an IQ of 70 or higher, and are currently receiving treatment for AUD or OUD. The study will measure how many people complete the study and how much alcohol or opioids are used after treatment.

Study design
This is an interventional study planning to enroll 80 participants. It is a pilot study designed to test the feasibility and effectiveness of different rTMS approaches.
What's involved
Not specified in the trial record.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Participants will be followed up for 4 weeks after treatment to assess their progress.

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

NCT06963476

rTMS as Add on Treatment for Substance Use Disorders

Recruiting
NAAges 18–60InterventionalTreatment
Yale University
~80 participants
Updated 2025-06-29 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) for AUDrepetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) for OUD

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Number of participants that successfully complete the study
Measured over 4-weeks post-treatment
+3 more outcomes measured

Conditions

Opioid Use
Alcohol Use Disorder

Explore related trials

Alcohol use disorderOpioid Use Disorder

Where it's being run

1 sites across 1 states
Connecticut1

Study leadership

  • Vaughn R Steele, PhD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · Yale University

Who to contact

Vaughn R Steele, Ph.D.
[email protected]
860.545.7855
Email the study team

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Do you actually qualify for this trial?

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

Be able to give valid informed consent in English.
Absence of cognitive impairment: IQ equivalent of ≥ 70 on the WRAT.
Receiving treatment for either AUD or OUD

Exclusion

History of any neurological disorder that would increase seizure risk from rTMS such as stroke, brain lesions, previous neurosurgery, any history of seizure or fainting episode of unknown cause, or head trauma resulting in loss of consciousness, lasting over 30 minutes or with sequela lasting longer than one month.
Current meeting withdrawal criteria for alcohol: AUD participants will not meet for clinically significant alcohol withdrawal: Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment for Alcohol (CIWA-Ar) ≤ 5.
First-degree family history of epilepsy or multiple sclerosis.
Cardiac pacemakers, neural stimulators, implantable defibrillator, implanted medication pumps or sensors, intracardiac lines, or acute, unstable cardiac disease, with intracranial implants (e.g. aneurysm clips, shunts, stimulators, cochlear implants, or electrodes) or any other metal object in the body that precludes rTMS administration.
Current use of anti- or pro-convulsive action.
Use of benzodiazepines in the last 48 hours prior to rTMS. Benzodiazepines are used during alcohol withdrawal management but then are discontinued prior to recruitment into the study. Therefore, rTMS eligible participants will not continue taking benzodiazepines.
Lifetime history of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, mania.
History of myocardial infarction, angina, congestive heart failure, cardiomyopathy, stroke, or transient ischemic attack.
Pregnant or lactating women.
TMS contraindications.
Treatment center discharge date does not allow for scheduling of all 5 rTMS days

What this trial measures

  • Number of participants that successfully complete the study4-weeks post-treatment

    Successful completion of the study is defined as completing the rTMS protocol and the 4-week post-treatment follow-up.

  • Mean number of drinks per day4-weeks post-treatment

    A timeline follow-back will be used to assess number of drinks per day.

  • Mean number of heavy drinking days4-weeks post-treatment

    A timeline follow-back will be used to assess number of heavy drinking days.

  • Opioid use4-weeks post-treatment

    A timeline follow-back will be used to assess the quantity of opioids used in bags.