TMS with Neuronavigation › Addictions
When craving is stronger than resolve.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) acts on the front of the brain, the area that helps us say “no”. In addictions it is a new treatment, still being studied, which we add only on the psychiatrist’s recommendation, together with psychotherapy and standard treatment.
Largest effect: craving
174
randomised studies of TMS on the left prefrontal area, analysed together: the largest effect was on craving, even larger than on depressive symptoms.
In addiction, the prefrontal area that acts as a brake weakens, and craving takes over. TMS stimulates this area so you can resist the urge more easily.
TMS does not replace psychotherapy, medication or counselling. The psychiatrist sets the indication, and TMS is given alongside standard treatment.
Study results are encouraging, and large studies are still ongoing. At the consultation, the doctor explains what the evidence shows for your situation.
What the research shows
Research has focused on smoking, alcohol and stimulant drugs such as cocaine. Results differ from one substance to another.
94
studies, several substances
TMS reduced use and craving, with a medium to large effect. Results were better with more sessions and with stimulation of the left prefrontal area.
19
randomised studies in alcohol
In 942 patients, TMS reduced alcohol craving and the amount consumed and increased the number of alcohol-free days. The studies differ considerably, so the result should be read with caution.
smoking
craving triggered in the session
In quitting smoking, TMS worked better than placebo when craving was triggered just before stimulation, for example with pictures of cigarettes.
80
patients, placebo-controlled study
In the largest placebo-controlled study in cocaine use, with the same protocol we use, both groups improved, with no difference in craving or use. Depression, however, improved more in patients who received active stimulation than in those who received placebo stimulation.
Source: Martinotti et al., Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry, 2022
In brief, with Dr Nadia Gorduza
Dr Nadia Gorduza explains what TMS can do for alcohol, cigarette or stimulant drug cravings and why it is only given together with psychotherapy.
About addictions
The core treatment remains psychotherapy and, if needed, medication. The indication for TMS is set by the psychiatrist at a consultation.
We use the protocol from the device manufacturer’s manual (MagVenture), CE-marked for substance use disorder in adults.
Target
Left prefrontal area
The same area as in depression treatment, found and checked by Neuronavigation at every session. A session takes about 12 minutes.
Intensive phase
2 sessions a day, 5 days
First week: 10 sessions, with a break between the two sessions on the same day.
Maintenance
2 sessions a week
For 12 weeks. 34 sessions in total.
Alongside
psychotherapy and psychiatric treatment
TMS is added to your treatment, it does not replace it.
The psychiatrist sets the exact protocol at the consultation. Reassessment on clinical scales during the course and at the end.
The protocols we use
We use protocols validated in clinical studies and in the European recommendations for TMS. The doctor chooses the right protocol for you at the initial assessment.
Dr Nadia Gorduza, Academy of Brain Stimulation member 2026, certified Clinical TMS Practitioner · View the certificate
The substance protocol is CE-marked, but the European recommendations have not yet assigned it an evidence level. The smoking protocol is rated Level C. That is why the psychiatrist sets the indication and explains at the consultation what you can expect.
Progress you can measure, not just feel
We carry out the clinical assessment with standardised test batteries at the start of treatment, after the intensive phase and at the end. You see your progress in numbers, and the doctor adjusts the plan.
Craving
how often it comes and how hard it is to resist
Use
how many days you use and how much, checked by tests if needed
Mood
depression and anxiety, which often come with addiction
Sleep
which often improves in the first weeks
Ongoing research
The international clinical trials registry (ClinicalTrials.gov) lists 44 ongoing TMS studies in addictions. Here are some of them:
11 centres · 186 patients · double-blind
TMS for heavy drinking
A multicentre placebo-controlled study that could lead to the first approval for alcohol (with a special coil, different from ours).
Medical University of South Carolina · 64 patients
10 Hz on the left prefrontal area, for smoking
Tests a protocol similar to the one we use, compared with placebo.
National Institute of Psychiatry, Mexico · 102 patients
TMS added to cocaine treatment
Tracks craving, use and a blood marker linked to brain plasticity.
In addictions, the course has 34 sessions, with two a day in the first week. We set the right package after the consultation. The price per session starts from the launch price.
Most studies are in smoking, alcohol and stimulant drugs such as cocaine. For other substances or for gambling, data are still limited. At the consultation, the psychiatrist tells you whether TMS makes sense in your case.
Yes, in studies many patients were still using at the start. On the day of a session, however, you must not be under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and severe alcohol withdrawal is treated before TMS, because both increase the risk of seizures.
No. The device manufacturer’s manual does not allow the addiction protocol in patients under 18 or over 70, because its safety has not been studied at these ages.
The addiction protocol has not been tested in controlled studies in women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. The device manufacturer’s manual lists these situations among those in which safety has not been established, so the psychiatrist makes an individual decision at the consultation.
No. TMS is added to standard treatment. The best results come when the patient also has psychotherapy alongside it.
This is how the protocol was tested: 10 sessions in the first week, then 2 a week for 12 weeks. The intensive start helps the effect appear sooner.
You feel a light tapping on the scalp and hear a click with each pulse. You are awake and can go home on your own after the session.
The first step is a psychiatric consultation. Tap “Book now!” and choose your time directly on WhatsApp. Bring your medical records, your list of medications and your MRI, if you have one.
3 Aviator Jean Texier Street, 1st floor, apt. 2, Sector 1, Bucharest · Monday–Friday, 10:00–20:00
Results vary from patient to patient. The indication for TMS is set by the doctor after an assessment. Sources: Kan et al., Lancet Psychiatry 2023 · Mehta et al., Neuropsychopharmacology 2024 · Song et al., Brain Behav 2026 · Bello et al., JAMA Psychiatry 2025 · Martinotti et al., Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2022 · Terraneo et al., Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2016 · MagVenture user manual, substance use disorder protocol · ClinicalTrials.gov, November 2026 · Academy of Brain Stimulation, TMS Protocols 08/2026.
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