We will evaluate the effects of deep brain stimulation (DBS) of bilateral nucleus accumbens (NAc) added to background treatment for treatment refractory Methamphetamine Use Disorder (MUD). This is a small randomized cross-over study to demonstrate feasibility and safety, test treatment outcomes (use, craving), and identify novel biological targets (NAc local field potentials (LFP) and functional MRI).
In a randomized cross-over design of DBS of the nucleus accumbens (NAc) for treatment refractory methamphetamine use disorder (MUD, n=5), we will test safety, feasibility, effect on clinical outcomes (craving and use), and seek to identify biological targets (using cue craving during recording of local field potentials and MRI).
Inclusion Criteria: Adults (men and non-pregnant or nursing women) between 22-65 years of age will be eligible for enrollment, if they meet the following criteria: (1) Current diagnosis of DSM-5 MUD (with past year specifier of severe and at least a 5-year history); (2) Failed at least 2 prior treatment episodes (defined as outpatient or inpatient, utilizing a previously validated treatment for addiction, with at least 1 episode having been residential; (3) Able to complete 1 week of inpatient detoxification prior to surgery and 4 weeks of inpatient treatment following surgery; (4) Medically able to undergo DBS procedure as assessed by Study Neurosurgeon; (5) Reside in the state of Colorado. Other study inclusion/exclusion criteria will be evaluated by the study team.
Principal Investigator