Methamphetamine addiction treatment with TMS

At present, no medication has been approved by the FDA or NICE specifically for treating methamphetamine addiction. Several medications are under investigation, but none are currently established as consistently effective.

Psychological treatments remain the mainstay, including:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Contingency Management (reward-based reinforcement for staying abstinent)
• Motivational interviewing
• Structured rehabilitation programmes
  
  

These treatments are often required for 6 months or longer to create lasting change.

However, for many individuals, traditional treatments alone may not be enough—largely due to the strength of cravings, the neurochemical imbalances caused by methamphetamine, and the chronic nature of stimulant addiction.

This is where TMS is showing promise as a supportive treatment.

Growing research suggests that TMS can reduce cravings and improve self-control in individuals with stimulant addictions, including methamphetamine.

TMS works by delivering magnetic pulses to targeted brain areas—typically the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC)—a region involved in:

• Decision-making
• Craving regulation
• Impulse control
• Mood stability
  
  

Studies have shown that stimulating this region may help:

• Reduce methamphetamine cravings
• Improve mood and cognitive function
• Enhance engagement in recovery programmes
• Reduce the risk of relapse when combined with therapy

Treatment Structure

Our methamphetamine addiction protocol consists of:

• 1 course of 15 TMS sessions
• Sessions delivered once per day (Monday–Friday) for three weeks
• Non-invasive, medication-free, and does not require anaesthesia
• No downtime—patients return to daily activities immediately after treatment
  
  

Because addiction affects each individual differently, additional sessions may be recommended depending on symptom severity and response.

Research into TMS for methamphetamine addiction is growing and has shown promising results:

Multiple clinical trials have found significant reductions in methamphetamine craving following high-frequency TMS to the DLPFC.

Some studies report improved abstinence rates compared with standard therapy alone.

TMS has also been associated with improved mood and executive function, both of which support long-term recovery.

TMS for methamphetamine addiction is considered off-label, meaning it is used based on scientific evidence but is not yet formally approved for this condition.
However, results so far indicate it is safe, well-tolerated, and potentially beneficial when combined with psychological treatment.

At Smart TMS, we follow evidence-based protocols from leading research centres and continue to review emerging studies to ensure our treatments remain at the forefront of scientific progress.

Addiction treatment prices

TMS treatment for addiction is delivered in a course of 15 sessions.

Additional treatment can be booked as per the advice of your clinician.

Dr Neal and his team understand the need to help our patients stay well beyond the end of their TMS treatment. Using research and our own experience, we have designed aftercare packages to provide ongoing care with a planned programme of regular top-up treatments.

Have you had TMS treatment for depression at another clinic? Smart TMS can offer you maintenance therapy, too.