TACS Intervention for Methamphetamine Addiction (NCT06288997) | Clinical Trial Compass
Active — Not RecruitingNot Applicable
TACS Intervention for Methamphetamine Addiction
China70 participantsStarted 2021-11-21
Plain-language summary
In 2021, nearly 296 million people worldwide used psychoactive substances, highlighting a significant need for effective interventions for disorders such as Methamphetamine Use Disorder (MUD). Despite existing treatments, including behavioral therapies and medications, the relapse rates remain high, signaling the need for more potent and targeted approaches. This clinical trial investigates high-intensity transcranial alternating current stimulation (Hi-tACS), a non-invasive method that applies 15mA electrical currents with a patented frequency of 77.5Hz to modulate brain activity. Hi-tACS has shown promise in preliminary studies for its ability to reduce drug cravings significantly by influencing brain regions crucial in addiction. The primary aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of Hi-tACS in curbing cravings in individuals with MUD. As secondary objectives, the trial will also explore the potential benefits of Hi-tACS in alleviating other clinical symptoms, enhancing cognitive performance, and positively influencing brain activity. This study seeks to establish Hi-tACS as a more effective treatment option that could lead to substantially lower relapse rates for individuals with MUD.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 70 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
. ages between 18 and 70;
. education level of at least primary school;
. confirmed diagnosis of MUD as per the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5);
. a subjective craving score of 30 or higher;
. absence of any other behavioral, pharmacological, or physical treatments during the trial.
Exclusion criteria
. significant neurological or serious psychiatric disorders;
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.
What they're measuring
1
Subjective craving
Timeframe: The day before intervention, the day after intervention, 2 weeks after intervention and 3 months after intervention.
2
Objective craving
Timeframe: The day before intervention, the day after intervention, 2 weeks after intervention and 3 months after intervention.