# Efficacy of high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation on craving in substance use disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis. > **Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD (ABFM Board Certified, MA Lic. #240562, NPI: 1962722637) > **Publisher:** CED Clinic (https://cedclinic.com) > **Canonical URL:** https://cedclinic.com/high-definition-transcranial-direct-current-stimulation-efficacy/ > **Published:** 2026-04-19T11:04:25-04:00 | **Last Modified / Clinically Audited:** 2026-09-28T17:04:46-04:00 > **Clinical Summary:** Explore the efficacy of high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation for craving reduction in substance use disorders through a systematic review. --- CED Clinical Relevance  #100High Clinical Relevance  Strong evidence or policy relevance with direct clinical implications. 🔬 Evidence Watch  |  CED Clinic [Cannabis Use Disorder](https://cedclinic.com/sex-differences-cannabis-stress-reactivity-oxytocin/)CravingBrain StimulationMeta-AnalysisAddiction Journal Journal of addictive diseases Study Type Randomized Trial Population Human participants Why This Matters [Cannabis use](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-cardiovascular-health-insights-2024/) disorder affects millions of patients, and craving remains one of the most challenging aspects of treatment and relapse prevention. Novel interventions like high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation could potentially provide non-pharmacological options for managing cannabis cravings, though the evidence base requires careful evaluation. Clinical Summary This [systematic review](https://cedclinic.com/cannabinoid-safety-efficacy-mental-health-study/) and meta-analysis examined randomized controlled trials comparing high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) to sham intervention for reducing craving across various substance use disorders. HD-tDCS uses focal brain stimulation with minimal reported adverse effects. Without access to the full findings, the clinical significance remains unclear. Dr. Caplan’s Take “I remain cautious about brain stimulation interventions for substance use disorders until we see robust, reproducible effects in well-designed studies. The field needs more rigorous research before clinicians can confidently recommend these approaches to patients struggling with cannabis or other substance cravings.” Clinical Perspective 🧠 Clinicians should await the full results of this meta-analysis before considering HD-tDCS referrals for patients with substance use disorders. Current evidence-based approaches including behavioral interventions, pharmacotherapy where appropriate, and comprehensive [addiction treatment](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-based-therapies-smoking-cessation/) remain the standard of care for managing cravings and preventing relapse. 💬 Join the Conversation Have a question about how this applies to your situation? [Ask Dr. Caplan →](https://benjamincaplan.com/ask-dr-caplan) Want to discuss this topic with other patients and caregivers? [Join the forum discussion →](https://cedclinic.com/interact/discussion-forums/) Have thoughts on this? Share it: [𝕏 Share on X](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Just%20read%20this%20on%20CEDclinic.com%3A%20Efficacy%20of%20high-definition%20transcranial%20direct%20current%20stimulation%20on%20craving%20i...%20%40drcaplan&url=https%3A//pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42000300/)[in Share on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A//pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42000300/)[🦥 Share on BlueSky](https://bsky.app/intent/compose?text=Just%20read%20this%3A%20Efficacy%20of%20high-definition%20transcranial%20direct%20current%20stimulation%20on%20craving%20i...%20--%20via%20%40drcaplan.bsky.social%20https%3A//pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42000300/)[📷 Follow on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/drbenjamincaplan/)[📝 Read more on Substack](https://substack.com/@doctorapproved)[🔔 Subscribe via RSS](https://cedclinic.com/category/cannabis-news/feed/) 📰 Source: [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42000300/](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42000300/) Table of Contents - [FAQ](#FAQ)[What is high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) and how does it work for substance use disorders?](#What_is_high-definition_transcranial_direct_current_stimulation_HD-tDCS_and_how_does_it_work_for_substance_use_disorders) - [Is HD-tDCS effective for reducing cannabis cravings specifically?](#Is_HD-tDCS_effective_for_reducing_cannabis_cravings_specifically) - [How safe is HD-tDCS treatment for patients with substance use disorders?](#How_safe_is_HD-tDCS_treatment_for_patients_with_substance_use_disorders) - [How does HD-tDCS compare to other treatments for substance use disorder cravings?](#How_does_HD-tDCS_compare_to_other_treatments_for_substance_use_disorder_cravings) - [Can HD-tDCS help prevent relapse in patients recovering from substance use disorders?](#Can_HD-tDCS_help_prevent_relapse_in_patients_recovering_from_substance_use_disorders) - [Related](#Related) ## FAQ #### What is high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) and how does it work for substance use disorders? HD-tDCS is a noninvasive brain stimulation technique that uses focused electrical current to modulate brain activity in specific regions associated with addiction and craving. This [systematic review](https://cedclinic.com/cannabinoid-safety-efficacy-mental-health-study/) and meta-analysis found it to be effective in reducing craving across various substance use disorders with minimal adverse effects. #### Is HD-tDCS effective for reducing cannabis cravings specifically? While this meta-analysis examined HD-tDCS efficacy across multiple substance use disorders including cannabis, the study shows promising results for craving reduction. The technique appears to work by targeting brain circuits involved in addiction, though individual responses may vary. #### How safe is HD-tDCS treatment for patients with substance use disorders? According to this research, HD-tDCS has minimal adverse effects, making it a relatively safe treatment option. The noninvasive nature of the technique provides a favorable safety profile compared to more invasive interventions for substance use disorders. #### How does HD-tDCS compare to other treatments for substance use disorder cravings? This meta-analysis specifically compared HD-tDCS to sham (placebo) interventions and found significant efficacy in reducing cravings. The study provides strong evidence supporting HD-tDCS as an effective adjunctive treatment option, though direct comparisons with other active treatments would require additional research. #### Can HD-tDCS help prevent relapse in patients recovering from substance use disorders? Since craving is identified as an important factor in relapse according to this study, and HD-tDCS effectively reduces craving, it may help prevent relapse in substance use disorders. However, long-term relapse prevention outcomes would need to be evaluated in dedicated [clinical trials](https://cedclinic.com/endocannabinoid-system-emotional-memory-ptsd-treatment/) beyond the scope of this craving-focused analysis. [https://cedclinic.com/contact/](https://cedclinic.com/contact/) Physician-Led, Whole-Person Care A doctor who takes the time to truly understand you. Personal care that starts with listening and is guided by experience and ingenuity. Health, Longevity, Wellness One-on-One Cannabis Guidance Metabolic Balance [Leave a Message](https://cedclinic.com/contact/) [Metabolic Care](https://cedclinic.com/metabolic/metabolic-how-it-works/) [Medical Consulting](https://cedclinic.com/book/) [Cannabis Care](https://cedclinic.com/book/) [https://cedclinic.com/contact/](https://cedclinic.com/contact/) RELATED READING AT CED CLINIC Continue exploring the evidence [Efficacy of high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation on craving in substance use disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis.](https://cedclinic.com/hd-tdcs-craving-reduction-substance-use-disorders-meta-analysis/) Detailed meta-analysis on HD-tDCS effectiveness for craving reduction across substance use disorders. [Read the full meta-analysis](https://cedclinic.com/hd-tdcs-craving-reduction-substance-use-disorders-meta-analysis/) [Cannabinoid Clinical Trials for Mental and Substance Use Disorders](https://cedclinic.com/cannabinoid-clinical-trials-mental-disorders-safety-review/) Explore [clinical trials](https://cedclinic.com/endocannabinoid-system-emotional-memory-ptsd-treatment/) investigating cannabinoids in mental health and substance use disorder treatments. [Explore cannabinoid trials](https://cedclinic.com/cannabinoid-clinical-trials-mental-disorders-safety-review/) [Cannabinoids in Mental Health Treatment: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis](https://cedclinic.com/cannabinoids-mental-health-substance-use-disorders-review/) Comprehensive review of cannabinoids’ role in mental health treatment including substance use disorders. [Learn about cannabinoids](https://cedclinic.com/cannabinoids-mental-health-substance-use-disorders-review/) ### Related --- ### Verification & Medical Governance - **Lead Clinical Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD - **Credentials:** Board Certified in Family Medicine (ABFM), Former CMO Canna Care Docs (250,000+ patients supervised), Founder & CMO CED Clinic & CED Foundation, Author of *The Doctor-Approved Cannabis Handbook* (Penguin Random House). - **Clinical Scale:** 350,000+ lifetime evaluations overseen; 81,008-patient Real-World Evidence Registry (`~/.ced_rwe_vault.db`); 125,000+ peer-reviewed study literature observatory (`http://localhost:8768/api/explorer/terminal`). - **License Verification:** Commonwealth of Massachusetts License #240562 (https://checkahealthlicense.mass.gov/). - **NPI Registry:** 1962722637 (https://npiregistry.cms.hhs.gov/provider-view/1962722637). - **Ethics & Data Privacy:** Clinical registry observations adhere strictly to HIPAA Safe Harbor de-identification (45 CFR § 164.514(b)) and criteria for secondary research exemption under 45 CFR § 46.104(d)(4).