Prefrontal cortex modulation using transcranial direct current stimulation in opioid craving: A sham-control double-blind study

Background

Opioid addiction, a major global health crisis, has necessitated innovative therapeutic approaches. This study aims to investigate the efficacy of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) targeting the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) in reducing cravings among individuals with opioid dependence.

Method

In this single-centre, double-blind, randomized, sham-controlled trial, 40 male inpatients with opioid dependence at the Central Institute of Psychiatry (Ranchi, India) were allocated to either active right-DLPFC tDCS (2 mA, 20 min) or sham stimulation for five consecutive days. Craving and psychosocial functioning were assessed via the Obsessive–Compulsive Drug Use Scale (OCDUS) and Addiction Severity Index (ASI) at baseline, immediately post-treatment, and at 2- and 4-week follow-ups. Repeated-measures ANOVA tested group × time differences.

Results

At baseline, OCDUS scores did not differ between groups (Active: 32.00 ± 2.47 vs. Sham: 31.60 ± 2.85; F (1,38) = 0.582, p = 0.582, η²p = 0.015). Following treatment, the Active group showed markedly greater reductions in craving than Sham at Day 5 (10.35 ± 2.21 vs. 24.25 ± 5.29; F(1,38) = 956.5, p < 0.001, η²ₚ = 0.672) and Day 14 (6.30 ± 1.98 vs. 20.75 ± 5.22; F(1,38) = 99.56, p < 0.001, η²ₚ = 0.503), with effects maintained at Day 28 (5.75 ± 1.65 vs. 23.35 ± 6.07).

Conclusion

Five sessions of right-DLPFC tDCS produced rapid, significant, and sustained reductions in opioid craving compared with sham, supporting its promise as an adjunctive treatment in opioid use disorder.