false
OasisLMS
zh-CN,en,fr,de,ja,es
Catalog
35th AM (2025) - Poster Session
NONINVASIVE BRAIN STIMULATION for SUDs
NONINVASIVE BRAIN STIMULATION for SUDs
Back to course
Pdf Summary
This document summarizes and compares three neuromodulation techniques—transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM), repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), and transcranial focused ultrasound stimulation (tFUS)—for reducing opioid craving, anxiety, depression, and substance use.<br /><br />tPBM reduces opioid craving, anxiety, and depression for up to three months post-intervention without significant adverse effects. Its mechanism involves near-infrared light (810 nm) stimulating cytochrome c oxidase in the prefrontal cortex (PFC), enhancing mitochondrial function, promoting neurogenesis, and reducing neuroinflammation.<br /><br />rTMS shows medium to large effect sizes in reducing substance use and craving, with FDA approval for smoking cessation. It is also effective for behavioral addictions, suggesting broad transdiagnostic potential. The established protocol involves high-frequency (10-20 Hz) stimulation of the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) over multiple sessions. rTMS works by delivering pulsed magnetic fields that induce neuronal depolarization, enhancing dopamine and glutamate signaling in corticomesolimbic reward circuits. However, variability in protocols and outcome measures calls for future research to optimize targeting, dosing, timing, and biomarker integration.<br /><br />tFUS is an investigational modality showing dramatic opioid craving reduction—up to 90% lasting three months—in pilot human studies. Animal models demonstrate its effect on diminishing addiction memory and anxiety. The technique uses low-intensity ultrasound to activate mechanosensitive ion channels, modulating mesolimbic dopamine signaling and functional connectivity between nucleus accumbens and PFC. Larger, sham-controlled randomized controlled trials are needed to validate efficacy and refine parameters.<br /><br />The objectives outlined include clarifying each modality’s mechanisms and targets, reviewing current clinical evidence and limitations for craving reduction, and identifying future research priorities to integrate these therapies into standard clinical practice. This work is affiliated with Rutgers, RWJBarnabas Health, and Virtua Health and referenced for the AAAP 2025 conference.
Keywords
transcranial photobiomodulation
repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation
transcranial focused ultrasound stimulation
opioid craving reduction
anxiety treatment
depression therapy
substance use disorder
neuromodulation mechanisms
prefrontal cortex stimulation
clinical neuromodulation research
×