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Smoking Cessation Research Study

Researchers at the Medical University of South Carolina are studying how a safe, non-invasive brain stimulation technique called TMS, guided by MRI, can help people quit smoking and reduce cigarette use.

This treatment is cleared by the FDA.

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Fast Facts

Ages 22-70

Smoke Cigarettes Daily & Want To Quit

Drug-Free Treatment

Compensation Provided

Conducted in Charleston, SC

Study Background

At the Medical University of South Carolina, researchers are investigating how TMS, a non-invasive and safe brain stimulation method guided by MRI, can assist individuals in quitting smoking and cutting down on cigarette use.

Smoking is one of the biggest health problems worldwide, causing preventable illnesses and deaths. Although there are medications and therapies to help people quit, many struggle because nicotine is highly addictive and affects how the brain manages cravings and self-control. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a safe, non-invasive, and FDA-approved method that uses magnetic pulses to influence brain activity. It has shown promise as a new way to treat addiction and other mental health issues without medication.

This study, called rTMS Manipulates Imbalanced Drive-Reward and Executive Control Circuitry for Smoking Cessation, uses MRI to guide TMS therapy. This allows researchers to precisely target brain areas involved in addiction and decision-making. The goal is to help participants quit smoking or significantly cut down on cigarette use. By testing this innovative technique, the study hopes to provide new, effective, and non-invasive treatments for smoking addiction.

Join our compensated study today!

Study Background

At the Medical University of South Carolina, researchers are investigating how TMS, a non-invasive and safe brain stimulation method guided by MRI, can assist individuals in quitting smoking and cutting down on cigarette use.

Smoking is one of the biggest health problems worldwide, causing preventable illnesses and deaths. Although there are medications and therapies to help people quit, many struggle because nicotine is highly addictive and affects how the brain manages cravings and self-control. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a safe, non-invasive, and FDA-approved method that uses magnetic pulses to influence brain activity. It has shown promise as a new way to treat addiction and other mental health issues without medication.

This study, called rTMS Manipulates Imbalanced Drive-Reward and Executive Control Circuitry for Smoking Cessation, uses MRI to guide TMS therapy. This allows researchers to precisely target brain areas involved in addiction and decision-making. The goal is to help participants quit smoking or significantly cut down on cigarette use. By testing this innovative technique, the study hopes to provide new, effective, and non-invasive treatments for smoking addiction.

Join our compensated study today!

Apply Now

Additional Information

This study is being done to explore a safe, non-invasive brain stimulation technique called TMS, guided by MRI, as a potential new way to help people quit smoking or reduce their cigarette use, addressing the challenges of nicotine addiction and its impact on the brain.

You may qualify for this study if you meet the following criteria:

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Ages 22-70
  • Smoke cigarettes daily
  • Want to quit smoking
  • Able to commit to 26 in-person visits in Charleston, SC across the span of 5 months
  • Able to undergo MRI (no severe claustrophobia or metal on or in the body)


Exclusion Criteria:

  • Use of substances other than nicotine
  • History of autoimmunie, endocrine, viral, or vascular disorder affecting the brain
  • Unstable cardiac disease, uncontrolled hypertension, severe renal or liver insufficiency, or sleep apnea
  • History of major psychiatric disorders
  • Consume >21 standard alcohol drinks per week
  • Use of nicotine patches, electronic cigarettes, or other forms of nicotine
  • Currently pregnant

If you participate in this study, here’s what you can expect:

  1. Study Duration: You will take part in the study over a 5-month period, requiring a total of 26 visits.

  2. Frequency of Visits:

    • During the first month, you will attend 21 visits.
    • The remaining 5 visits will be spaced out over the following months.

  3. Visit Length:

    • Most visits will last about 40 minutes.
    • Three visits will take approximately 1.5 hours.

  4. Location: All visits will take place at the institute, located at 67 President Street, Charleston, SC 29425.

  5. Eligibility: The study is open to participants who live within 30 miles of the institute.

By participating, you’ll contribute to important research on helping people quit smoking through innovative brain-stimulation therapy.

  1. Baseline MRI: $30 for completing the initial MRI.

  2. Screening Visit: $50 total, which includes:

    • $20 for a drug screening.
    • Compensation for a physical examination.

  3. Treatment Phase (20 Visits):

    • $40 per visit attended during the treatment phase.
    • Total for 20 treatment visits: $800.

  4. MRI Scans:

    • $30 for each MRI scan.

  5. Follow-Up Visits (5 Visits):

    • $50 per follow-up visit.
    • Total for 5 follow-up visits: $250.

  6. Completion Bonus:

    • $200 for completing all study visits.
    • Paid at the 4-month follow-up visit.

  7. Payment Schedule: Payments will be made after every 5 treatment visits.

Total Possible Payment: If you complete all visits, you could receive up to $1,360 over the 5-month period. We will also pay for parking at each visit.

There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.

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