Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation and Substance Use

Distress tolerance, defined as the ability to persist in goal directed behavior while
experiencing affective distress (e.g., anxiety, stress, irritability) is implicated in the
development and maintenance of substance use disorders. Findings suggest that differential
DLPFC engagement during affective and cognitive processing, and in particular, distress
tolerance, among substance users may be malleable, providing a promising intervention. More
specifically, modulating neural oscillations with non-invasive, safe brain stimulation by
targeting regions such as the DLPFC may provide an avenue to improve distress tolerance among
substance users. Transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) may be a particularly
promising approach as it is a safe and non-invasive method of electric stimulation that has
the potential to effectively modulate neural network and circuit dynamics, more closely
aligning with a network-based conceptualization of affective and cognitive processes, such as
distress tolerance. Despite its potential, limited research to date has examined the
feasibility and optimization of tACS as a treatment methodology to facilitate cognitive
function among individuals with substance use disorder. Thus, this study will investigate the
effects of tACS on distress tolerance among treatment-seeking individuals with substance use
disorder.

Inclusion Criteria:

- Current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V) Substance Use
Disorder

- Current smoker

- Abstinent from all substances (except nicotine) for at least the past 2 weeks

Exclusion Criteria:

- Current use of antiepileptic drugs and/or benzodiazepines

- Less than 6 months since an electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) session

- Current DSM-V Psychotic Disorder

- Pregnancy and/or nursing

- Ongoing or history of traumatic brain injury (TBI), reoccurring seizures, stroke, or
brain tumors

- Medical or neurological illness

- Brain devices and/or implants