Meth Use Disorder May Benefit From Accelerated Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

Researchers noted that the intensive schedule did not lead to treatment dropout

Researchers at a recent neuroscience meeting reported that an accelerated form of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation shows early promise as a treatment for methamphetamine use disorder, based on a small feasibility trial presented at the American Society for NeuroRepair and Modulation conference in October 2026. The study involved 18 adults diagnosed with moderate to severe methamphetamine use disorder who received an accelerated TMS protocol targeting the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex over five consecutive days, with multiple sessions per day. Participants were monitored for changes in cravings, drug use, and brain activity using functional imaging before and after treatment. Feasibility and Safety of Intensive Stimulation Regimen The accelerated TMS regimen was well tolerated, with no serious adverse events reported. Mild side effects such as scalp discomfort and headache occurred in less than a third of participants and resolved quickly.

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Researchers noted that the intensive schedule did not lead to treatment dropout, suggesting the protocol is feasible in a clinical setting for this population. Early data indicated a reduction in self-reported methamphetamine cravings by an average of 40 percent across the group, with seven participants achieving abstinence during the two-week follow-up period. Functional MRI scans showed increased connectivity in neural networks associated with impulse control and decision-making after treatment. Can Accelerated TMS Change Long-Term Outcomes? While the trial was not designed to measure long-term relapse rates, researchers emphasized that the observed changes in brain activity and craving levels warrant further investigation in larger, controlled studies. They noted that traditional TMS protocols for addiction often require weeks of daily sessions, which may be difficult for patients with unstable housing or limited access to care. An accelerated approach could potentially overcome barriers to treatment adherence by condensing therapy into a shorter timeframe.

However, experts cautioned that larger trials are needed to determine optimal

However, experts cautioned that larger trials are needed to determine optimal dosing, durability of effects, and whether combining TMS with behavioral therapies improves outcomes. Frequently Asked Questions What is accelerated transcranial magnetic stimulation? Accelerated TMS delivers multiple sessions of magnetic brain stimulation per day over a shortened period, such as five days, instead of the traditional once-daily schedule over several weeks. This approach aims to achieve therapeutic effects more quickly. Is TMS approved for treating methamphetamine use disorder? No, transcranial magnetic stimulation is currently not approved by regulatory agencies for the treatment of methamphetamine use disorder. It is approved for conditions like depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder, but its use in addiction remains experimental. How many people participated in the feasibility trial?

The feasibility trial included 18 adults diagnosed with moderate to severe methamphetamine use disorder who received the accelerated TMS protocol and were assessed for safety, tolerability, and early signs of efficacy.