Deep Brain Stimulation for Substance Use Disorder: Current Status

Abstract

Substance use disorders (SUDs) precipitate a loss of control over substance use, thus compromising daily functioning and social behavior. Current addiction treatment relies primarily on medication. Relapses may occur after extended periods of abstinence upon exposure to substance-associated stimuli or environments. More must be done to prevent relapsing. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is used to treat a spectrum of medical conditions through insertion of electrodes into specific brain regions and administration of impulses that regulate brain activity. Considerable evidence suggests that DBS may be helpful in treating addiction, but the targets and treatment parameters remain ambiguous. This review describes research progress and the associated targets of DBS in managing alcohol, cocaine, opioid, and nicotine addiction, to lay groundwork for future research. It additionally examines the risks and safety aspects of DBS in SUD treatment, to optimize DBS for enhanced clinical efficacy in managing addictive disorders.