Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation to Reduce Heroin Cravings

Evaluating Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation to Reduce Opioid Cravings in Adults Who Use Heroin

The purpose of this research study is to test the effect of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on opioid cravings among adult patients with Opioid Use Disorder.

This study will use rTMS, a neuromagnetic and non-invasive treatment, to reduce opioid cravings in individuals who are diagnosed with opioid use disorder. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation is currently used for the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder in clinical practice. This proposed study will employ a randomized, single-blind, experimental design. Participants will be randomly assigned to two groups using a computer-based randomization program: treatment and sham-control groups.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adult aged 18-64, used heroin in the past 30 days;
• has a history of heroin use for at least one year;
• meets the clinical criteria for Opioid Use Disorder (only heroin use will be considered to meet this criteria);
• meets the clinician clearance using the rTMS Patient Screening Form.

Exclusion Criteria:

• do not currently take and medications for a substance use disorder such as methadone, buprenorphine, naltrexone, acamprosate, disulfiram;
• do not have a psychotic disorder;
• do not have a diagnosis of another substance use disorder;
• do not have a history of seizures or other neurological disorders including organic brain disease; epilepsy, stroke, brain lesions, multiple sclerosis, previous neurosurgery;
• do not have a personal history of head trauma that resulted in a loss of consciousness for more than 5 minutes and retrograde amnesia for more than 30 minutes;
• do not have a presence of non-fixed metal in body 30 cm to treatment coil.
• have not taken any medication for a substance use disorder within the last 72 hours before the first rTMS treatment;
• are not pregnant or think you may be pregnant.