Noninvasive Neuromodulation for Addiction (2025-2026)
This project team investigated whether repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), combined with cognitive behavioral therapy and nicotine replacement therapy, can improve smoking cessation outcomes for veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Tobacco use remains a leading cause of preventable death and is especially prevalent among veterans with PTSD, who face greater challenges quitting smoking than the general population. Building on the work of the 2024-2025 project team, this year’s team conducted a randomized controlled trial while also exploring how artificial intelligence can advance neuromodulation research through the development of the WikiStim database.
The team made substantial progress in recruiting and retaining participants for the clinical trial. Team members contacted more than 4,600 potential participants, enrolled 113 veterans and randomized 27 into the study. Among those randomized, more than 90% completed the multimodal treatment program, including rTMS, cognitive behavioral therapy and follow-up visits. The strong retention rates demonstrate the feasibility and acceptability of this comprehensive smoking cessation intervention and position the study to evaluate future impacts on smoking cessation, PTSD symptoms, craving intensity and brain connectivity.
The team also advanced WikiStim, an online repository of neuromodulation research, by developing artificial intelligence tools to automate the extraction of study metadata. Testing across neuromodulation studies showed that AI-generated data closely matched human-curated results, suggesting the technology could significantly reduce manual workload while maintaining accuracy. Together, the team’s clinical and technological achievements contribute to efforts to improve addiction treatment for veterans and expand access to high-quality neuromodulation research resources.
Timing
Summer 2025 – Summer 2026
Team Outputs
Rewiring Recovery: rTMS and AI Innovations in Smoking Cessation (Team Profile)
TMS-STOP: a Multimodal Smoking Cessation Treatment for Veterans with PTSD and WikiStim.org: an AI-Optimized Database of Neuromodulation Studies (Poster presentation at the Fortin Foundation Bass Connections Showcase, April 15, 2026)
Built an AI-assisted workflow for WikiStim
See related teams, Noninvasive Neuromodulation for Addiction (2024-2025) and Noninvasive Neuromodulation for Addiction (2026-2027).