April 29, 2025

Ep28: Breaking the Cycle: Focused Ultrasound for Addiction with James Mahoney, PhD

22 minutes

In this episode of Curing with Sound, James Mahoney, PhD, associate professor and neuropsychologist at West Virginia University, discusses the use of focused ultrasound for addiction treatment. Dr. Mahoney and the team at the Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute are using neuromodulation to target the nucleus accumbens - the brain's reward center - to help patients with severe opioid use disorders who haven't responded to conventional treatments.

The team recently published results from a clinical trial demonstrating that this innovative approach is not only safe but also effective at reducing substance cravings, decreasing actual substance use, and that these changes continued through a 90-day follow-up.

Discussion highlights:

Adjunctive Therapy – The study uses focused ultrasound as part of an integrated treatment plan with patients also utilizing standard of care practices, including medication for opioid use disorder, and behavioral treatments, working with therapists and support groups.

Comprehensive Benefits – Beyond reducing substance cravings, researchers noted increased treatment engagement among patients, and the return of more functional lifestyles, including reconnecting with family, and maintaining employment.

Future Applications – Current research is expanding to other substance use disorders, including methamphetamine and cocaine, as well as behavioral addictions like binge eating disorder and gambling, with promising preliminary results.

WVU Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute

EPISODE TRANSCRIPT

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QUESTIONS?

Email [email protected] if you have a question or comment about the show, or if you would you like to connect about future guest appearances.

Email [email protected] if you have questions about focused ultrasound or the Foundation.

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