Opioid Use
Research Study
Research Study
Join a compensated research study funded by the National Institutes of Health aimed at testing whether the excitement of specific brain regions can change cravings for opioids in individuals who recently started taking Suboxone or Methadone.
Butler Hospital in Providence, RI
Compensation Provided
21 - 60 Years Old
Recently started taking Suboxone or Methadone
Fast Facts
Study Background
The goal of Project THOUGHT is to determine if a noninvasive form of brain stimulation is effective at reducing cravings for opioids.
We are testing whether the excitement of specific brain regions can change cravings for opioids in individuals who recently started Suboxone or Methadone.
How will we excite the brain? Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation, or tDCS for short, is a non-invasive form of brain stimulation that involves a weak electrical current delivered through two electrodes that are placed on your head and held in place with an elastic net.
Your participation in our study will further opioid treatment research. Enroll today!
We are testing whether the excitement of specific brain regions can change cravings for opioids in individuals who recently started Suboxone or Methadone.
How will we excite the brain? Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation, or tDCS for short, is a non-invasive form of brain stimulation that involves a weak electrical current delivered through two electrodes that are placed on your head and held in place with an elastic net.
Your participation in our study will further opioid treatment research. Enroll today!
Additional Information
Why is this study being done?
The goal of Project THOUGHT is to determine if tDCS is effective at reducing cravings for opiates.
Is this study for me?
You may qualify for this study if you meet the following criteria.
Key Criteria:
Key Criteria:
- You are between the ages of 21 and 60
- You have started taking Suboxone or Methadone within the last 30 days
What will happen if I participate in this study?
To determine if you are eligible, you will first have to conduct a screening questionnaire that takes approximately 15 minutes. If you meet study criteria, you will have two 45-minute baseline and follow-up interviews, two 45-minute EEG sessions, and five 30 minute tDCS sessions.
How will you excite the brain?
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation, or tDCS for short, is a non-invasive form of brain stimulation that involves a weak electrical current delivered through two electrodes that are placed on your head and held in place with an elastic net. Some participants will receive active tDCS, while others will receive a sham or placebo version of tDCS – this will be determined randomly, like the flip of a coin, and neither you nor the researchers will know which version you will receive.
What happens during the 7 visits to Butler?
5 of the visits to Butler involve 20-minute sessions of tDCS (described above). The 2 other visits happen before and after these 5 visits. At Visits 1 and 7, you will be asked to complete a series of questionnaires, computer tasks, and interviews with research staff. In addition, you will undergo electroencephalography (EEG) recording of your brain activity. For the EEG procedure, a trained technician will apply a special cap to your head that records electrical signals on your scalp. During the recording, you will then sit quietly in a chair for a few minutes and then complete a 10-minute computer task while the EEG is recording your brain activity.
How will you excite the brain?
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation, or tDCS for short, is a non-invasive form of brain stimulation that involves a weak electrical current delivered through two electrodes that are placed on your head and held in place with an elastic net. Some participants will receive active tDCS, while others will receive a sham or placebo version of tDCS – this will be determined randomly, like the flip of a coin, and neither you nor the researchers will know which version you will receive.
What happens during the 7 visits to Butler?
5 of the visits to Butler involve 20-minute sessions of tDCS (described above). The 2 other visits happen before and after these 5 visits. At Visits 1 and 7, you will be asked to complete a series of questionnaires, computer tasks, and interviews with research staff. In addition, you will undergo electroencephalography (EEG) recording of your brain activity. For the EEG procedure, a trained technician will apply a special cap to your head that records electrical signals on your scalp. During the recording, you will then sit quietly in a chair for a few minutes and then complete a 10-minute computer task while the EEG is recording your brain activity.
Will I be paid for being in this research study?
Eligible participants will be compensated up to $550 for their participation. Transportation provided if needed.
Will it cost me anything to participate in this study?
There is no cost for you to participate in our research program.