Opioid Use Research Study
Researchers at Duke University are conducting a study to learn more about how to improve treatments for opioid use.
Fast Facts
Using Opioids and Planning to Stop
Ages 18+
Compensation Provided
Conducted in
Durham, NC
Study Background
Help us improve treatments for people with opioid use disorder (OUD).
The purpose of this study is to better predict whether or not a person will experience success with buprenorphine as a treatment for opioid use. We will also examine the effectiveness of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) alongside buprenorphine.
rTMS is a safe, non-invasive treatment involving magnetic waves focused on the brain circuits involved in ‘self-control’.
Help move science forward and improve treatment for opioid use by being a part of this clinical study!
Study Background
Help us improve treatments for people with opioid use disorder (OUD).
The purpose of this study is to better predict whether or not a person will experience success with buprenorphine as a treatment for opioid use. We will also examine the effectiveness of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) alongside buprenorphine.
rTMS is a safe, non-invasive treatment involving magnetic waves focused on the brain circuits involved in ‘self-control’.
Help move science forward and improve treatment for opioid use by being a part of this clinical study!
Additional Information
Researchers at Duke University are conducting a clinical study to learn more about success predictors of buprenorphine as a treatment for OUD between various participants. The study will also examine the effectiveness of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) alongside buprenorphine.
You may qualify for a study if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Ages 18+
- Currently using opioids and planning to stop
- Starting or planning to start buprenorphine treatment
- Not diagnosed with alcohol or sedative/hypnotic use disorders
- No history of or current diagnosis of a psychotic disorder (e.g., bipolar disorder, schizophrenia)
- No history of or current dementia or other cognitive impairment
- No unstable general medical conditions
- Able to undergo MRI
- Not pregnant or breastfeeding
- No active suicidal ideation/suicide attempt within 90 days
Before beginning rTMS treatment, participants will complete four appointments:
- Phone screening appointment
- Video screening appointment
- An MRI visit completed within 3-days of the first dose of buprenorphine
- A repeat MRI scan when participants are on the full dose of buprenorphine (which is typically after 1-3 weeks of treatment)
After these first four appointments, participants will be randomly assigned into two groups. One group will receive active rTMS treatment, and the other will receive a false rTMS treatment.
During the rTMS study treatments, participants will be awake and sitting in a reclined chair. A magnetic coil will be placed on their heads, and we will pulse magnetic waves focused on the brain circuit involved in ‘self-control’.
After rTMS treatment, participants will complete a final MRI scan, and participants will be asked to return for one visit per week for the next 11 weeks.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.
