Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Although medications for opioid use disorder (OUD) are effective, relapse remains common. Noninvasive brain stimulation (NIBS) has emerged as a potential adjunctive treatment. We review publications since 2020 that tested NIBS interventions in humans and assessed clinically relevant outcomes. RECENT FINDINGS: We identified a total of 19 studies of NIBS for treatment of craving; acute detoxification, withdrawal, and early abstinence; relapse prevention; cognitive dysfunction associated with OUD; mood and anxiety symptoms in OUD; co-occurring SUDs with OUD; and post-operative pain management and prevention of OUD. SUMMARY: NIBS interventions, particularly repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and transcranial direct current stimulation have demonstrated preliminary evidence of effectiveness to treat OUD and its associated symptoms.