Brain Stimulation May Reduce Cannabis Addiction in People with Multiple Sclerosis

OG Article By Watch Today's LIVE Episode on X and Rumble

and Youtube

October 07 2025

Study Overview

A new NYU Langone Health study shows a brain stimulation device reduces cannabis use in women with multiple sclerosis (MS).The device, used at home, delivers weak electrical currents paired with mindfulness meditation.

Background

• Over 50% of MS patients use cannabis for pain, spasms, and sleep issues.

• Up to 20% develop cannabis use disorder, marked by heavy, disruptive use.

• No approved treatments exist for long-term cannabis dependency.

Method

• 47 women with MS and cannabis use disorder participated.

• Daily 20-minute transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) sessions for 4 weeks.

• tDCS targets the prefrontal cortex, aiding decision-making and emotional regulation.

• Sessions paired with guided online mindfulness meditation via telehealth.

• Compared active stimulation to a placebo mimicking the sensation.

Results

• Cannabis use dropped from ~5 days/week to ~2 days/week.

• Reduced withdrawal symptoms: anxiety, sleep issues, appetite loss, irritability.

• First study to show tDCS benefits for MS patients with cannabis use disorder.

Published in Drug and Alcohol Dependence

How It Works

• tDCS enhances neuroplasticity, helping the brain form new connections.

• Mindfulness meditation may amplify effects, easing cravings.

• Offers a safe, portable recovery tool.

"tDCS could fill a critical gap in care," says Leigh Charvet, PhD.

Next Steps

• Nationwide study to test tDCS for cannabis use disorder without MS.

• Expanded study to include more MS patients, both men and women.

• Exploring how reduced cannabis use may improve MS symptoms.

For more health news, visit www.foxnews.com/health

Funding and Disclosures

• Funded by NIH grant R21DA055427.

• Researchers Giuseppina Pilloni and Leigh Charvet have ties to Soterix Medical, managed per NYU Langone policies.