THE STUDY AT A GLANCE
A real clinical study, by the numbers.
60
adults planned to take part
3
randomly assigned study groups
20
daily TMS sessions over 4 weeks (two groups)
6wk
from first survey to final survey
Source: IRB-approved study consent form, WSU IRB #25-0427. Public study listing: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT07171359. These numbers describe how the study is designed. They are not results.
IN PLAIN ENGLISH
What is TMS?
TMS stands for transcranial magnetic stimulation. A small coil rests against the scalp and sends brief magnetic pulses to one area of the brain. There are no needles and no surgery.
Doctors already use TMS for depression and OCD. This study asks a new question: can it also help people in addiction recovery?
WHY THIS STUDY
What the researchers want to learn
Everyone in this study keeps getting their regular treatment at the clinic. The question is whether adding TMS helps more. The team tracks three things:
Withdrawal and cravings
How strong are withdrawal symptoms and cravings, and how much does a person use?
Body and mind
How do people feel, physically and mentally, from week to week?
Sleep and thinking
Do sleep, memory, and thinking skills change?
HOW THE STUDY WORKS
Three groups, chosen by chance
Each person is placed in a group at random. That keeps the comparison fair.
Regular treatment only
Continues usual care at the clinic. No TMS. Takes the same surveys.
Usual care plus 3-minute TMS
One short session each weekday morning for four weeks.
Usual care plus 9-minute TMS
One longer session each weekday morning for four weeks.
SIX WEEKS, START TO FINISH
What each week looks like
WEEK 1
Get started
Sign up and first surveys
People learn about the study, give written consent, and complete baseline surveys.
WEEKS
2-5
Treatment
Daily sessions and weekly check-ins
The TMS groups have a session every weekday morning.
Everyone repeats the surveys each week.
WEEK 6
Wrap up
Final surveys
One last round of surveys so the team can compare the groups.
Source: IRB-approved consent form, "Length of Participation." Participants may receive up to $100 in gift cards. No one pays to take part.
WHO IS BEHIND IT
Led by researchers. Run at a partner clinic.
Funded in part by Recovery Works Foundation, in partnership with Washington State University's College of Medicine. The study is led by Matthew Layton, MD, PhD, at Washington State University, and runs at Another Chance Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Center in Portland. Read the public study listing.
WHERE THINGS STAND
Early days
The study began in 2026 and is still enrolling. We do not have results yet. When we do, we will share them here in plain language.
Participant stories will also appear here, with each person's permission.
GET INVOLVED
Help move this research forward
Funders and donors
Your gift supports the Foundation's work, including research like this.
Researchers and clinical partners
Interested in studying TMS or other new treatments in your clinic? Let's talk.
QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
Not yet. TMS is already used for depression and OCD. For opioid and alcohol use disorder it is still experimental, and that is why this study is being done.
The study's consent form says side effects are usually minor and short-lived. The most common are mild to moderate headaches and scalp discomfort. The sessions in this study are within published safety guidelines.
Most people feel a tapping sensation on the scalp. Some feel mild discomfort from the head cap and the chair.
No. Participants can receive up to $100 in gift cards for completing the study.
Adults ages 18 to 65 with opioid or alcohol use disorder who are in treatment at the partner clinic and meet the safety checks.
The study is still enrolling, so results are not ready. We will post updates here.
Closing the gaps in addiction treatment.
Questions about the research? We would like to hear from you.