rTMS and Cognitive-behavioral Therapy for Cocaine Use Disorder

🩺 Protocol Summary

The goal of the study is to investigate the feasibility, safety, and effect of rTMS on mPFC/dACC activity using a combination of fMRI and clinical outcome measures, when used as an augmentation to CBT. Our hypothesis is that we will meet the following milestones prior to moving forward to the UH3 phase (a clinical trial for CUD). * Feasibility: At least 75% of participants will receive at least 15 out of 20 rTMS sessions with no participants experiencing a study-related serious adverse event * Mechanism: Compared to baseline, after 1 week of rTMS, participants who received active rTMS will demonstrate a 15% decrease in RSFC (resting state functional connectivity) between the DLPFC (dorsolateral prefrontal cortex) and anterior cingulate * Efficacy: During the final 12 weeks of the trial (weeks 2-13), at least 15% of participants who received active rTMS will demonstrate 3 consecutive weeks of abstinence Participants will: * Have two brain MRI scans; * Undergo 1 week of daily rTMS (or sham) treatments (up to 20 sessions), and; * Have 12 weeks of once-weekly cognitive-behavioral therapy for the treatment of cocaine use disorder. Researchers will compare active (real) rTMS to sham (placebo) rTMS. All participants will receive cognitive-behavioral therapy. The former principle investigator, Dr. Derek Blevins, has vacated his position (February 2025), and has transferred the principle investigator role to Dr. John Mariani, the STARS Clinic Director.

Primary Research Facility: New York State Psychiatric Institute (NYSPI) / Substance Treatment and Research Service (STARS) (New York, New York)

Review these 3 basic logistical and protocol criteria extracted from the public NIH record. (This is a preliminary logistical checklist, not an official clinical eligibility determination).

📍 Primary Site Map

Site: New York State Psychiatric Institute (NYSPI) / Substance Treatment and Research Service (STARS) — New York, New York

💰 Clinical Trial Costs & Insurance Coverage

Coverage for clinical trial participation varies depending on your health insurance policy, state legislation, and whether specific procedures are investigational research or routine medical care. Under federal law (Affordable Care Act § 2709), health insurers generally cannot drop coverage or refuse to pay for routine patient care costs incurred in approved clinical trials.

💡 Always ask the study coordinator for the trial's official Informed Consent Form, which outlines all sponsor-funded research items versus procedures billed to your insurance.