Focused Ultrasound Offers New Hope for Addiction Treatment, But Safety Concerns Linger

Key points

• Ali Rezai, a neurosurgeon at West Virginia University, is leading trials to use low-intensity focused ultrasound to treat addiction by targeting the nucleus accumbens, a brain region involved in reward and dopamine regulation.
• The procedure is noninvasive, taking about 20 minutes, and aims to reset the brain's response to addictive substances without the need for surgery or implants.
• Early results from 20 participants who knew they were receiving the treatment showed a 90% reduction in self-reported cravings and an 80% reduction in positive drug tests.
• A serious safety incident occurred in 2025 when a volunteer suffered a brain injury during a trial, leading to an eight-month pause in the study while safety mechanisms were improved.
• The technology is attracting interest from Silicon Valley startups aiming to miniaturize ultrasound devices for broader psychiatric applications, but standard treatment parameters and long-term effects are still unknown.

Background

The story of Erin McNulty, a woman with a long history of substance use, illustrates the potential impact of this new treatment. After years of struggling with methamphetamine addiction, she underwent a focused ultrasound procedure at West Virginia University. Although she initially received a sham treatment, she later received the real procedure, which led to a significant reduction in her cravings. She has since returned to her family in Vermont and is living a sober life, though experts emphasize that the treatment must be combined with behavioral therapy and support.

Why it matters

This development could offer a new, less invasive option for the millions of Americans struggling with substance use disorders, particularly in regions with high overdose rates. However, the safety concerns and lack of standardized protocols highlight the need for further research and careful implementation. The potential for miniaturized devices could make the treatment more accessible, but it also raises questions about the long-term effects and the role of technology in mental health treatment.

What to watch

Researchers are working to develop safer and more portable ultrasound devices, and the protocol is being adopted by other medical centers in the US and internationally. Further studies are needed to determine the optimal dosage, long-term effects, and the role of focused ultrasound in combination with other treatments. The technology is also being explored for other conditions, such as binge eating disorder and anxiety in dogs.