Combining Neuro-Imaging and Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation for Clinical Intervention in Opioid Use Disorder

Summary

The overarching goal of this project is to expand the traditional expertise in non-invasive neuromodulation at the University of Minnesota towards developing novel paired-neuromodulation approaches using transcrancial direct current stimulation (tDCS) for new addiction treatments that support long-term abstinence. This study will investigate whether the pairing of dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) stimulation and cognitive training can enhance functional connectivity between DLPFC and nucleus accumbens (NAcc). We have identified higher functional connectivity between DLPFC and NAcc in alcoholics that have successfully maintained abstinence for extended periods of time (7 years). This paired-neuromodulation approach can potentially be used as a therapeutic intervention to decrease substance use probability in addiction (e.g. opioid use disorder). The long term goal is to develop new addiction treatments that support long-term abstinence in opioid use disorder. The overall objective of this proposal is to enhance functional connectivity between DLPFC and NAcc as a therapeutic intervention to enhance cognition and reduce substance use rates in opioid use disorder.

Conditions

• Opioid-Related Disorders
• Heroin Dependence
• Morphine Dependence

Interventions

DEVICE

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS)

Participants receive 10 sessions (2 5-visit blocks of 46 minutes) of active tDCS to DLPFC (dorsolateral prefrontal cortex)

DEVICE

Sham Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS)

Participants receive 10 sessions (1 5-visit block of 46 minutes of active tDCS and 1 5-visit block of sham tDCS)

BEHAVIORAL

Cognitive Training

Executive functioning tasks

Sponsors & Collaborators

• National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)

  collaborator NIH

• University of Minnesota

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Kelvin Lim, MD · University of Minnesota

• Jazmin Camchong, PhD · University of Minnesota

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

TRIPLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Max Age

60 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2021-01-11

Primary Completion

2022-02-22

Completion

2022-02-22

FDA Device

Yes

Countries

• United States

Study Locations