Regaining control over opioid use? The potential application of auricular transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation to improve opioid treatment in China

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

Abstract

Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a critical problem in China and is accompanied by depression and deficits in cognitive control. In China, the most successful intervention for OUD is the community drug rehabilitation where methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) plays a key role. Even though methadone for the treatment of OUD can be helpful, it can cause severe somatic side-effects, which limit its effectivity. Even worse, it can have detrimental effects on cognitive control, which is crucial to regain control over drug intake. Here, we consider the potential use of auricular transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (atVNS) as an addition to MMT for opioid withdrawal treatment. Compared to other non-invasive brain stimulation methods, atVNS also targets the locus coeruleus (LC) important for noradrenaline (NA) synthesis. NA is an essential neurotransmitter impacted in opioid withdrawal and also critically involved in cognitive control processes. Its ADD-ON to MMT might be a useful mean to improve mood and enhance cognitive control processes impacted in OUD. We discuss the translational advantages of atVNS in China such as the cultural acceptance of the modality of treatment similar to electroacupuncture. Additionally, the wearability of the ear electrode and at-home self-administration without intense medical supervision makes of atVNS a useful tool to enhance clinical and cognitive outcomes especially in everyday life situation. We discuss how atVNS can be integrated in tele-medical health approaches allowing that innovative treatments can widely be disseminated and continued even in situations of restricted medical access.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Article numbere13343
JournalAddiction biology
Volume28
Issue number11
Publication statusPublished - Nov 2023
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

PubMed 37855071
ORCID /0000-0003-4731-5125/work/146641798
ORCID /0000-0002-2989-9561/work/146788805

Keywords

Research priority areas of TU Dresden

DFG Classification of Subject Areas according to Review Boards

Keywords

  • atVNS, cognitive control, locus coeruleus, noradrenaline, opioid use disorder, withdrawal, Opioid-Related Disorders/drug therapy, Analgesics, Opioid/therapeutic use, Humans, China, Vagus Nerve Stimulation/methods, Methadone/therapeutic use