Impact of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) on Ultra Rapid Opioid Detoxification (UROD) Outcome

Abstract

Background: Persistence of post-detoxification problems in drug addiction is one of the disadvantages of the ultra-rapid opioid detoxification (UROD) method. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has been introduced in experimental addiction treatment for some years. Results of pilot studies suggest that it might be a promising method for addiction treatment. Objectives: This study explores the adjunctive application of Transcranial direct current stimulation during treatment of opiate addiction with the ultra-rapid opioid detoxification approach. Methods: This double blind sham-controlled clinical trial was carried out on patients with substance abuse admitted to the Bahman clinic of Yazd in Iran (March to September- 2014). Forty participants were randomly allocated to treatment and control groups. Two sessions of transcranial direct current stimulation (real or sham) over dorsolateral prefrontal cortices (DLPFC) were applied accompanied by ultra-rapid opioid detoxification. Withdrawal symptoms and craving were assessed by the Drug Desire Questionnaire (DDQ) and Objective Opiate withdrawal scale (OOWS) prior to ultra-rapid opioid detoxification as well as for the 24- hour interval after ultra-rapid opioid detoxification. Results: Transcranial direct current stimulation optimized the opiate addiction treatment through craving and the withdrawal syndrome alleviation and. Conclusions: The results of the study indicate that prefrontal transcranial direct current stimulation may promote the efficacy of the ultra-rapid opioid detoxification method in opioid addiction.