Brain stimulation in the treatment of cocaine use disorder

In the recent past non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) techniques have offered the promise for neural circuit-based treatments for addictions, including Cocaine Use Disorders (CUDs). Evidence from both preclinical and clinical studies suggest that repetitive TMS impacts on neural activity modulating the neuroadaptative mechanisms underlying the addicted brain. We provide an integrated view of evidence highlighting the mechanisms of TMS induced effects on modulating the maladaptive brain circuitry of addiction. Then, we review the clinical findings suggesting rTMS as an effective interventional tool for the treatment of CUDs.