The purpose of this study is to establish a new treatment (repetitive transcranial stimulation (rTMS)) for Veterans with stimulant use disorder (SUD). Despite the large public health burden imposed by SUD, there is currently no FDA-approved or widely recognized effective somatic treatment. rTMS may be a promising treatment option for SUD. In this study, we will demonstrate the feasibility of applying rTMS to Veterans with SUD, examine the efficacy of rTMS in the treatment of SUD, and explore biomarkers that may guide patient selection for rTMS treatment and predict treatment response.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 65 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Structured Clinical Interview for DSM Disorders (SCID) confirmed diagnosis of SUD, severe
* Last use of stimulants \>1 and \<6 weeks
* Stable medication regimen (no change in dose or agents between 2 weeks prior to the start of and throughout the treatment phase of the study)
* Stable social environment and housing to enable regular attendance at clinic visits.
* Ability to undergo cognitive testing, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans, and rTMS (no contraindications)
* Intelligence Quotient (IQ) \> 80
* Stable medical health
* Veteran at Palo Alto VA's Addiction Treatment Services
Exclusion Criteria:
* Pregnant or lactating female
* History of prior adverse reaction to TMS
* On medications thought to significantly lower seizure threshold, e.g.:
* clozapine
* chlorpromazine
* clomipramine
* bupropion \> 400 mg/day
* Use of direct dopaminergic antagonists or agonists
* History of seizures or conditions known to substantially increase risk for seizures
* Implants or medical devices incompatible with TMS
* Acute or unstable chronic medical illness that would affect participation or compliance with study procedures, e.g. unstable angina
* Unstable psychiatric symptoms that precludes consistent participation in the study, e.g.:
* active current suicidal intent or plan
* severe psychosis
* Inability to undergo fMRI scan, e.g. claustrophobia, presence of ferromagnetic objects in subject's body
* Other substance use disorder not i…
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.