Oxytocin-enhanced group therapy for methamphetamine use disorder: Randomized controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychiatry
• Public Health

Background:

• Methamphetamine use disorder (MUD) is a significant public health issue, particularly affecting men who have sex with men (MSM).
• No FDA-approved pharmacological treatments currently exist for MUD, which is characterized by social impairments and high dropout rates.
• Oxytocin, a neuropeptide linked to social bonding, is being explored for its potential in treating MUD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the efficacy of intranasal oxytocin combined with motivational interviewing group therapy (MIGT) for MUD in MSM.
• To assess oxytocin's impact on treatment engagement, addiction behaviors, and stress responsivity.

Main Methods:

• A randomized, double-blind trial involving 48 MSM with MUD.
• Participants received either 40-IU intranasal oxytocin or a placebo before weekly MIGT sessions over six weeks.
• Primary outcome was session attendance; secondary outcomes included group cohesion, anxiety, craving, METH use, and cardiac physiology.

Main Results:

• Oxytocin administration led to significantly higher group therapy attendance compared to placebo (OR 3.26, p=.014).
• Oxytocin showed a small positive effect on group cohesion but did not significantly impact anxiety or craving.
• No significant changes in METH use were observed in either group.
• Oxytocin recipients exhibited lower average heart rates and higher heart rate variability during sessions.

Conclusions:

• Intranasal oxytocin appears to be a safe adjunct to MIGT, effectively increasing treatment attendance in MSM with MUD.
• Oxytocin's modulation of the autonomic nervous system may be a key mechanism for improving treatment engagement.
• Further research is warranted to explore oxytocin's therapeutic potential for MUD.