Accelerated TMS Protocol Tested for Methamphetamine Use

A pilot study suggests intensive magnetic stimulation may reduce cravings and depression in patients struggling with methamphetamine.

Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Substance Abuse

Accelerated TMS Protocol Tested for Methamphetamine Use

Live Poll

Should federal funding prioritize the development of new medical treatments for substance use disorders?

A new feasibility trial has shown that an accelerated repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) protocol can help treat methamphetamine use disorder. Participants in the study reported noticeable reductions in drug cravings and depression severity over a three-week treatment period.

Why it matters

Currently, no FDA-approved medical treatments exist for methamphetamine use disorder, leaving a critical gap in addiction care. This study provides a potential non-pharmacological avenue for addressing the disorder.

The study involved 20 participants who completed a mean of 46.3 sessions out of a required 50. In comparison, a 2021 trial for naltrexone and bupropion showed 13.6% of participants had negative urine samples versus 2.5% in the placebo group.

The players

American Society of Functional Neuroradiology

This professional organization held the meeting in Newport Beach, California, where the trial results were presented.

UT Southwestern Medical Center

This academic medical center located in Dallas, Texas, is the institution where the research was conducted.

The details

The treatment protocol consisted of 50 sessions of intermittent theta burst stimulation administered over three weeks, with sessions spaced at least 50 minutes apart. To trigger neural responses, participants were shown images designed to induce cravings immediately before each stimulation session.

A 2021 trial evaluated the use of naltrexone and bupropion for stimulant addiction.
Researchers screened 28 people and enrolled 23 between 2024 and 2026.
Results were presented on October 12, 2026, at the American Society of Functional Neuroradiology meeting.

Health Landscape

This study marks a significant departure from standard pharmacological approaches like the 2021 naltrexone and bupropion combination trial. By utilizing neurostimulation, researchers are exploring whether physical brain modulation can bridge the gap where existing medical treatments have yet to receive FDA approval.

While the protocol is not yet a standard clinical treatment, it offers a potential future pathway for patients who have not responded to behavioral therapy. Readers should consult with a medical professional regarding current approved options, as this TMS protocol requires further large-scale validation.

The takeaway

The successful completion of this accelerated stimulation protocol suggests that intensive, targeted neurological interventions may play a future role in addiction recovery. Further clinical trials are necessary before these findings can be translated into widely available medical practice.