The Root Center is working with Dr. Vaughn Steele for the Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) Study.

TMS, short for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, is a treatment that applies a series of magnetic pulses to stimulate nerve cells in areas of the brain known to be associated with major depression. 

During TMS, pictures related to substance use such as pill bottles and syringes are displayed while a scientist applies magnetic pulses. The participant is encouraged to reflect on the negative experiences of their addiction. The hope is that the part of the brain that controls pleasure-seeking behavior will get rewired in ways that ultimately alleviate cravings and strengthen self-control after undergoing the series of pulses.

With the pairing of repetitive TMS treatments (rTMS) and the use of brain imaging such as MRIs, Dr. Steele, and his research team at Yale hope to bring more understanding and evidence to the usage of TMS as a strong treatment modality that can change addictive behavior in OUD recovery.