tDCS to Decrease Opioid Relapse (UH3)
Butler Hospital
Summary
Investigators will measure behavioral and brain responses following transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) (anode on right DLPFC, cathode on the left DLPFC) delivered during cognitive control network (CCN) priming. In Phase I, the EEG provided validation of expected changes in these networks following tDCS stimulation of the DLPFC. In this current phase (II), the investigators will perform a larger randomized clinical trial (RCT) (active vs. sham control) to address long-term neurobehavioral outcomes, including opioid relapse, craving, and sustained EEG changes.
Description
Investigators will perform an RCT in 100 opioid dependent participants who recently initiated buprenorphine or methadone. Participants will be randomized to receive five sessions of tDCS+CCN priming stimulation vs. sham tDCS+CCN priming. Participants will be assessed three times using electroencephalographic (EEG), once prior to tDCS+CCN priming, right after the completion of 5 sessions of tDCS+CCN priming (one week later), and again 10 weeks later. This phase will address long-term (3- and 6-month) neurobehavioral outcomes, including opioid relapse, craving, and sustained EEG changes during…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 21–60 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: 1. current opioid dependence 2. between 21-60 years of age 3. recent initiation of buprenorphine or methadone (≤30days) 4. enrolled in Butler Hospital's Alcohol and Drug Inpatient Unit, Alcohol and Drug Partial Hospital Treatment Program, Intensive Outpatient Services, or Outpatient Services at Butler Hospital OR receive opioid-treatment services in the community. Exclusion Criteria: 1. current diagnosis of organic brain disorder (e.g., Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, multiple sclerosis, intracranial mass/infection, hydrocephalus) 2. bipolar, schizophrenia, sc…
Interventions
- Deviceactive tDCS
The anode will be placed over the right DLPFC (F4 on the EEG 10-20 system) and the cathode over the left DLPFC65 (F3) using 25cm2 sponges at an intensity of 2mA. Stimulation will be delivered for 20 minutes via two saline-soaked surface sponge electrodes and a battery-driven, constant current stimulator (NeuroConn DC Stimulator Plus).
- Devicesham tDCS
Same device and procedures as active tDCS with the exception that the device includes a study mode, in which subject-specific codes are entered to deliver active or sham stimulation, keeping the administrator blinded. Sham stimulation will use a method in which stimulation will be ramped up and back down over a 30-second period at the beginning and end of sham tDCS.
Location
- Butler HospitalProvidence, Rhode Island