Telehealth-Delivered tDCS for Cannabis Addiction Recovery: The C.A.R.E.S. (Cannabis Addiction Recovery Enhancement Stimulation) Initiative
Sponsor: NYU Langone Health
Trial Details
| Condition | Cannabis Use Disorder |
| Intervention | Active Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS); Sham Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS); Mindfulness meditation |
| Phase | NA |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Participants | 46 |
| Est. Completion | 1 Oct 2026 |
| Last Updated | 21 Apr 2026 |
Primary Outcome
The proportion of participants who complete at least 70% (14 out of 20) of intervention sessions; The proportion of participants who discontinue due to adverse effects; The proportion of participants with no serious adverse events; Change in cannabis use frequency, measured by the Daily Sessions, Frequency, Age of Onset, and Quantity of Cannabis-Use Inventory (DFAQ-CU); Change in daily cannabis use, measured by the Timeline Followback (TLFB) method assessment; Change in cannabis withdrawal symptoms, measured by the Cannabis Withdrawal Scale (CWS)
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Aged 22-65 years (inclusive) 2. Currently meets the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V) criteria for CUD, as determined by DSM-V criteria (M.I.N.I) 3. Positive for cannabis on the 11-COOH-THC single panel urine test 4. Seeking treatment to reduce or discontinue cannabis use (Marijuana Ladder ranged between 5-8 \[inclusive\]) 5. Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) score \< 35 (minimal to moderate distress) 6. Wide Range Achievement Test-5(WRAT-5) score ≥ 85 7. Ability to use mobile devices 8. Fluent in English or Spanish Exclusion Criteria: 1. Cannabis is used exclusively as prescribed or directed by their provider 2. Meets DSM-V criteria for substance use disorder within the past six months for any psychoactive substance other than cannabis 3. Meets DSM-V criteria for alcohol use disorder within the past six months 4. Primary psychiatric disorder (major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, or psychotic disorder) as the principal diagnosis, independent of cannabis use disorder; or current diagnosis of bipolar disorder, psychotic disorder, or any other alcohol/substance use disorder as defined by DSM-5-TR and confirmed via the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI). 5. Primary neurologic or major medical disorder that would interfere with study participation. 6. Enrolled in group or individual therapy for substance use disorder that would be concurrent with the study intervention 7. History of moderate or severe traumatic brain injury 8. Seizure disorder or recent (\<5 years) seizure history 9. Presence of metal or active implants in the head/neck 10. Any skin disorder or skin sensitive area near stimulation locations 11. Pregnant or planning pregnancy during the study period or breastfeeding
Trial Sites
Countries
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