Closed-loop tACS Modulation for the Core Clinical Features of Drug Addiction

Methamphetamine use disorder (MUD) addiction represents a severe public health concern. Individuals addicted to methamphetamine exhibit intense cravings and physiological reactions when exposed to addiction-related cues, a phenomenon termed "cue reactivity." Cue reactivity is a critical factor in the development and persistence of addiction. Impairments in inhibitory control are considered a significant factor contributing to the emergence of cue reactivity. Conventional pharmacological and physical interventions suffer from low efficiency and high effect variance. Closed-loop physical interventions, which adjust stimulation parameters in real-time based on brain state, are an innovative approach with the potential to enhance the precision and efficiency of treatments. Closed-loop interventions based on transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) hold promise as a novel therapeutic method for treating methamphetamine addiction. This study aims to develop and evaluate the effect of closed-loop tACS on cue reactivity and inhibition control function in MUD. Therefore, the investigators intend to employ the non-invasive tACS technique, predicated upon biomarkers of addiction states, to administer specific frequency stimulations to targeted brain regions, aiming to achieve therapeutic objectives in addiction treatment.

Inclusion criteria

Individuals aged between 18 and 55 years, irrespective of gender, having completed a minimum of 9 years of education or are capable of effectively cooperating in questionnaire evaluations.

Meet the diagnostic criteria set forth by the DSM-5 concerning the severity of amphetamine-type substance addiction.

A history of utilizing amphetamine-type substances for a duration not less than one year, with a frequency of use of at least once per week.

Consent to actively cooperate in the completion of subsequent follow-up assessments.

Exclusion criteria

Severe cognitive functional impairments manifested through a history of head trauma, cerebrovascular diseases, epilepsy, etc., or usage of cognitive enhancement drugs in the past 6 months; an intellectual disability with an IQ score less than 70.

A diagnosis of schizophrenia or other severe mental illnesses as per the DSM-5 criteria.

Abuse or dependence on other psychoactive substances (excluding nicotine) within the past 5 years.

Severe organic diseases that might compromise study participation. Contraindications to tACS, include a history of epileptic seizures or the presence of metallic implants in proximity to the head.