A recent study indicates that supervised at-home neural stimulation can significantly decrease cannabis withdrawal symptoms in women with multiple sclerosis (MS) and cannabis use disorder (CUD). This pilot randomized control trial, published in the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence, involved 47 women with relapsing-remitting MS, averaging 43 years of age, who were looking to reduce their cannabis intake.
The intervention used transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), a noninvasive technique that modulates neural activity by applying a low electrical current to the brain. Participants received an at-home tDCS device programmed for 20 minutes of active stimulation or sham stimulation, where the device was off. Over four weeks, they engaged in daily sessions supervised through video chats, incorporating mindfulness meditation and music for relaxation.
Results showed that 83% of participants completed the intervention, demonstrating its feasibility for those balancing work or education. Notably, participants who received active stimulation reported a 26% reduction in cannabis use frequency, dropping from an average of 5.3 days per week to 3.9 days. The control group showed a smaller reduction, from 5.3 to 4.8 days.
Craving, depressed mood, and restlessness symptoms associated with cannabis withdrawal decreased significantly among those receiving active stimulation. Additionally, these improvements were maintained for up to three months after the intervention ended. The active group also experienced a notable decline in MS symptoms, although these benefits did not persist at the three-month follow-up.
The study’s findings suggest that targeting the neural circuits linked to addiction may offer a viable approach to treating CUD, particularly in populations like women with MS who may struggle with cannabis dependence due to its use for symptom management. However, the researchers acknowledged limitations, including the all-female sample and the specific MS subtype of participants. They emphasized the need for further research to determine the broader applicability of this intervention to diverse populations.
Future studies could explore longer intervention periods or maintenance protocols to sustain the observed benefits. The promising results from this pilot study provide a foundation for future research aimed at developing effective treatment strategies for cannabis use disorder in individuals with complex health conditions.
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