Neurostimulation Device Cuts Opioid and Stimulant Use by Up to 50% Post-Treatment: Groundbreaking Study Offers New Weapon in U.S. Addiction Crisis

In a landmark peer-reviewed study published in Frontiers in Psychiatry, the FDA-cleared NET Device™ from NET Recovery has demonstrated the potential to slash both opioid and stimulant use among addiction patients. Among 103 adults in residential treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD), those using the device for at least 24 hours reported 50% fewer days of opioid use and significant reductions in stimulant use over three months post-discharge. This is the first study showing a medical device can address polysubstance addiction, filling a critical gap where no FDA-approved stimulant treatments exist amid record overdose deaths.

Study Details: Real-World Evidence from 103 Patients Across Four Centers

Conducted by Wayne State University School of Medicine and NET Recovery, the trial tracked 103 adults (ages 18+) with OUD – primarily fentanyl-dependent and co-using methamphetamine – in four Kentucky residential facilities. Participants self-administered the NET Device™ (a transcutaneous alternating current stimulator, or tACS) alongside standard symptomatic care. Key findings:

• Usage Impact: Patients stimulating for ?24 hours stayed longer in treatment (average +2 days) and had 50% fewer opioid-use days in months 1–3 post-discharge.
• Stimulant Reduction: Significant drop in cocaine and methamphetamine use days, despite no targeted FDA meds for stimulants.
• Polysubstance Effect: Overall drug-use days reduced by 40–50%, suggesting early stabilization prevents relapse cascades.
• No Device Group Comparison: Non-users showed higher use rates, highlighting the intervention’s value.

The device eases withdrawal symptoms non-pharmacologically, promoting retention and long-term sobriety. Over 3 million Americans battle opioid-stimulant polysubstance use; nearly 50% of fatal overdoses involve both, per CDC data.

How It Works: Non-Drug Relief for Withdrawal and Cravings

The NET Device™ delivers targeted electrical stimulation under clinical supervision to interrupt withdrawal signals, stabilize mood, and reduce cravings. Cleared by FDA for opioid withdrawal symptom relief, it complements – not replaces – counseling and meds. Patients report rapid symptom easing, enabling better engagement in therapy. „One day of stimulation can build momentum for months of recovery,“ noted lead author Dr. Mark Greenwald, Wayne State Professor and Substance Addiction Research Director.

Expert Insights: Bridging the Stimulant Treatment Void

„This validates what clinicians see nationwide: Symptom relief keeps patients in care longer, fostering stability,“ said NET Recovery CEO Joe Winston, study co-author. Dr. Greenwald added: „For non-pharmacological seekers, even brief use yields multi-substance benefits – a game-changer for polysubstance cases.“

The study underscores the device’s role in early detox, where 70% of relapses occur. NET Recovery is expanding trials to validate long-term outcomes.

Broader Impact: Hope Amid 100,000+ Annual Overdose Deaths

With U.S. overdoses hitting record highs (110,000 in 2024), this innovation addresses a $1 trillion economic burden. By reducing polysubstance use without new drugs, it cuts healthcare costs 30–40% via fewer ER visits and readmissions. Scalable for clinics nationwide, it empowers underserved rural and urban populations. Global potential: Similar devices could aid Europe’s rising fentanyl crisis.

NET Recovery advances non-drug addiction tech; full study at Frontiers in Psychiatry. Trial info: clinicaltrials.gov.