Opioid abuse

This study tested whether a mobile health unit that offers HIV prevention, treatment, and medication for opioid use disorder all in one place helps people who inject drugs stay on treatment. About 447 adults with opioid use disorder took part. The goal was to see if this approach…

This study tested a device called the Bridge, which uses mild electrical pulses to ease opioid withdrawal symptoms. 36 adults with opioid addiction were randomly assigned to get the active device, withdrawal medication (lofexidine), or a placebo. The goal was to see if the device…

This completed trial in Xishui, China, tested a community-based program for 3,571 adults aged 35 and older who were at high risk for COPD and had mental health symptoms. The program included lung function tests, digital mental health support, smoking cessation help, and health ed…

This study tested whether a personalized talk with a pharmacist could help people take opioid painkillers for a shorter time. 100 adults with non-cancer pain in a hospital rheumatology ward took part. The goal was to see if the pharmacist's advice could keep opioid use closer to …

This study tested a web-based addiction treatment program that was culturally adapted for American Indians and Alaska Natives. 53 adults in outpatient treatment used the program for 12 weeks. The goal was to see if it helped them stay away from drugs and alcohol and to decide if …

This study looked at whether medical cannabis can help people with chronic pain reduce their use of opioid painkillers. 29 patients who wanted to lower their opioid dose but couldn't afford medical cannabis were given access to it. Over 5 months, doctors tracked their pain levels…

This study tested a program called the Transitions Clinic Network (TCN) for people leaving jail with opioid addiction. The program combines primary care, medication options, and a community health worker to address social needs. Researchers compared this to standard care and foll…

This early-phase study tested whether adding a medication called Auvelity (a combination of dextromethorphan and bupropion) to standard buprenorphine treatment is safe and might help reduce cravings, withdrawal, and negative feelings in people with opioid use disorder. 18 adults …

This study tested whether adding a support person—like a family member or friend—to standard buprenorphine treatment helps people with opioid addiction stay in treatment longer. 439 patients and their support persons took part. The support persons learned CRAFT, a counseling prog…

This study tested two tools to help older adults (65+) on long-term opioid therapy use painkillers more safely. The PainTracker tool helps doctors focus on improving daily function and mental health, while the Opioid Misuse Measure screens for risky opioid use. Researchers studie…

This study tested two ways to help primary care doctors prescribe opioids more safely for patients with chronic pain, depression, or anxiety. One approach used an electronic tool that reminded doctors about risk checks and guidelines. The other added a team of a pharmacist, a soc…

This study tested whether giving adults with chronic pain discounted vouchers for medical cannabis soft-gel capsules could help them reduce their opioid painkiller use. 270 participants were randomly assigned to receive vouchers for placebo or cannabis capsules with different THC…

This study tested a mindfulness program designed for women in residential treatment for substance use disorders. The program, called Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention for Women (MBRP-W), teaches stress management skills to help women stay in treatment and avoid relapse. Resear…

This completed study tested whether reducing loneliness through group therapy could lower opioid misuse in 102 adults on long-term opioids for chronic pain. Participants received either cognitive behavior therapy or social navigation in weekly sessions. Researchers measured chang…

This study tested whether peer recovery coaches in emergency departments can help people with substance use disorders connect to treatment and support. 144 adults were randomly assigned to get in-person coaching, coaching via video call, or just a list of resources. Researchers f…

This study tested whether giving caregivers prize draws for attending court hearings, treatment sessions, and probation meetings could reduce substance use and delinquency in teens already in juvenile drug court. Fifty-three teens aged 13-17 and their caregivers took part. The go…

This study tested whether a trained peer recovery specialist could help low-income, minority individuals stick with their methadone treatment for opioid use disorder. 200 participants in Baltimore were assigned to either the peer-led support program or standard care. The goal was…

This study tested a digital pill and smartphone app to help people with substance use disorders take their HIV prevention medication (PrEP) consistently. Thirty HIV-negative men who have sex with men and have moderate to severe substance use disorder participated. They used a dig…

This study tested a brief counseling program delivered by pharmacists to help people who take prescription opioids and also drink alcohol. The program combined medication review with motivational interviewing to encourage safer use. Researchers enrolled 112 adults and measured ch…

This completed study tested whether a Mediterranean diet could improve metabolic syndrome markers in 30 hospitalized adults with psychiatric conditions. Participants followed either a Mediterranean diet or a standard hospital diet for 8 weeks, then switched. Researchers measured …

This study tested a digital program designed to prevent teens from starting to misuse opioids. About 533 high school students who had never misused opioids but were at higher risk took part. The program aimed to increase their understanding of the serious risks of misusing prescr…

This study tested a program called PRE-FAIR to prevent opioid and methamphetamine addiction in young parents (ages 16-30) already involved with Oregon's child welfare system. 240 parents who were at risk but not yet addicted were randomly assigned to either the PRE-FAIR program o…

This study tested whether text message reminders can encourage people to keep their opioid pain medication in a safe place and throw away any leftover pills after treatment. About 479 adults who received an opioid prescription took part. The goal was to reduce the chance of these…

This completed trial tested two school-based programs—Connect and CMCA—to prevent drug and alcohol misuse among 10th graders in rural Cherokee Nation high schools. Over 900 students from 20 schools participated, with some schools receiving the programs and others serving as contr…

This small pilot study tested an 8-week mindfulness and meditation program in 3 adults with substance use disorders. Participants reported lower stress and improved mindfulness after the program. One person stayed sober long-term, while two relapsed within a year. The study shows…

This study tested an online parenting program called Family Check-Up Online for rural families where a parent may misuse opioids. 356 parents of young children (18 months to 5 years) took part. The program aimed to improve parenting skills, reduce stress and depression, and preve…

This study tested new ways to prevent opioid misuse and addiction in teens and young adults (ages 16-30) who visited the emergency department. Participants received support starting in the ER and continuing through telehealth after they went home. The goal was to find the most ef…

This study tested a program called Trust-based Relational Intervention (TBRI) to prevent opioid and other drug use in 250 teens aged 15-18 who were leaving juvenile justice facilities. Each teen worked with a trusted adult to build supportive relationships. The goal was to see if…

This pilot study tested whether involving young people in designing and running substance misuse prevention programs makes those programs more effective. Four community organizations in North Carolina took part; some used the youth engagement approach while others did not. Resear…

This study tested a program called TACUNA plus Wellness Circle, designed to prevent opioid misuse among American Indian and Alaska Native young adults aged 18-25 in California. The program uses motivational interviewing and traditional practices in virtual workshops. Researchers …

This study looked at whether adding medical cannabis to a behavioral program helps adults with long-term non-cancer pain lower their opioid dose and manage pain better. 87 participants on stable, high-dose opioids were randomly assigned to either start medical cannabis or not, wh…

This study tested whether a digital mindfulness app is practical and acceptable for people in early recovery from substance use disorders. 36 participants were randomly assigned to standard group therapy alone or standard therapy plus the app for 8 weeks. The main goal was to see…

This pilot study tested whether a mindfulness program could help veterans with chronic pain and thoughts of suicide. 76 veterans took part to see if the program was acceptable and could reduce pain, depression, and suicide risk. The goal was to improve quality of life and daily f…

This study tested a small, disposable device that gently stimulates nerves in the ear to see if it could reduce the amount of strong painkillers (opioids) needed after open abdominal or pelvic surgery. 286 adults who had surgery for cancer or a liver transplant took part. The goa…

This study tested a type of group therapy called Resilience-Oriented Therapy (RoT) for adults in Rwanda who were struggling with mental health issues like trauma, depression, anxiety, or anger. 427 people took part, and the therapy was tailored to each person's main problem, such…

This pilot study tests whether a nerve block called the serratus anterior plane (SAP) block can reduce pain and opioid use after heart surgery. Fifty adults having valve or bypass surgery through a chest incision will receive either the numbing drug ropivacaine or a placebo throu…

This study tested whether a CBD oral solution (Epidiolex) can help manage pain and reduce the need for opioids in 37 adults undergoing double knee replacement. Participants received either a placebo or one of two CBD doses. The goal was to see if CBD could lower opioid use while …

This study tested whether a 4-week program using active video games (exergames) on the Nintendo Switch could help adults with mental illness feel better and stay motivated. Twelve participants were split into two groups: one played exergames, the other continued their usual routi…

This study tested whether adding a personalized therapy scale to standard treatment helps reduce cravings in people with substance use disorders or behavioral addictions like gambling. 151 adults seeking outpatient care participated. The approach aimed to tailor treatment to each…

This study tested a one-day educational workshop for people with chronic non-cancer pain who take high doses of opioids. The workshop, led by a team of doctors, psychologists, and pharmacists, provided information on opioid risks and taught coping strategies. Researchers wanted t…

This study tested whether slowly reducing prescribed opioids (tapering) can help people with long-term chronic pain use fewer painkillers without worsening their pain or quality of life. 140 adults on daily opioids for chronic non-cancer pain were randomly assigned to start taper…

This study tested whether giving testosterone to older women with chronic back pain and low testosterone could improve pain, physical function, and quality of life. 36 women received weekly injections of either testosterone or a placebo for several weeks. The goal was to see if t…

This study looked at 46 adults having spinal surgery to find out if giving a pain-relieving nerve block (ESP block) before or after surgery works better. The goal was to see which timing reduces opioid use and improves recovery. Results will help anesthesiologists choose the best…

This study tested two methods to control pain after laparoscopic gallbladder removal: a nerve block (external oblique intercostal block) and injecting pain medicine into the surgical cuts (port-site infiltration). Sixty adults were followed for 24 hours after surgery to see which…

This study tested two remotely delivered programs—mindfulness-based cognitive therapy and internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy—against standard remote monitoring alone for reducing depression and substance use related to COVID-19 stress. 113 adults from a health system par…

This study tested a breathing and meditation program called SKY Recovery in 100 people recovering from substance use disorder at a residential center. Participants either took the program right away or after a delay. Researchers measured changes in emotion regulation, cravings, a…

This study tested whether dronabinol, a drug similar to cannabis, can help reduce the need for opioid painkillers after total knee replacement. 114 adults scheduled for knee surgery were randomly given either dronabinol or a placebo before and after their operation. Researchers m…

This study looked at whether an online cognitive behavioral therapy program, called Breaking Free Online, helps people with substance use disorder cut back on their drug or alcohol use. About 200 adults from an outpatient addiction program took part. Some got standard care with g…

This study looked at whether listening to music can help heart surgery patients need less strong pain medicine. 54 adults who had heart surgery through a cut in the chest took part. The goal was to see if music therapy could lower the amount of opioid painkillers they used.

This study tested whether the drug acetazolamide can improve sleep-disordered breathing in 39 adults with chronic pain who use opioids. Participants took either the drug or a placebo for one week each. The goal was to see if the pill could reduce sleep apnea events as an alternat…

This study tested whether a nerve block (suprazygomatic maxillary nerve block) can reduce pain and the need for strong painkillers in children after tonsil and adenoid removal. 114 children aged 6 months to 18 years took part. The block was given during surgery, and some children…

This study looked at whether people with chronic pain and opioid use disorder would do art on their own at home, and if it helped their pain and mood. 31 adults tried self-directed artmaking up to four times. Researchers measured how many people stuck with it and whether anxiety,…

This study looked at whether adding a low-dose ketamine infusion to standard pain medication can help people who just had knee replacement surgery. One hundred adults were randomly assigned to get either standard pain relief alone or standard relief plus ketamine through a patien…

This study tested whether an ultrasound-guided nerve block (Serratus Anterior Plane Block) can improve pain, breathing, and coughing in emergency room patients with rib fractures. Forty adults with confirmed rib fractures received either the nerve block or usual care. Researchers…

This study tested a special type of talk therapy (cognitive-behavioral therapy, or CBT) delivered over telehealth to help veterans who feel lonely and struggle with substance use. The goal was to see if the program was practical and well-liked by participants. Thirty-six veterans…

This study tested two methods to control pain after major abdominal surgery: a spinal injection of morphine and a newer nerve block technique. The goal was to see which provides better pain relief with fewer side effects. 56 adults participated, and the study measured how much ex…

This study tested whether providing overnight infant care and parenting support helps new mothers with substance use disorder living in residential treatment programs. 41 mothers participated, and researchers measured how many enrolled, completed the program, and gave feedback. T…

This pilot study tested an oral cannabinoid oil (CBD with a small amount of THC) in 51 adults with chronic pain. The goal was to see if it's practical to run a larger trial and to gather early data on pain relief and safety. Participants took the oil daily for up to 12 weeks, and…

This study tested whether giving lidocaine through a vein during and after liver surgery can reduce pain and the need for strong painkillers like opioids. 124 adults having minor liver surgery were randomly assigned to receive either lidocaine or a placebo (salt water). Researche…

This study tested whether a virtual reality experience where people see an avatar of their future self could help those in early recovery from opioid use disorder reduce drug use and stay abstinent. 104 participants were split into a VR group and a control group. Researchers meas…

This study tested whether a specific nerve block, called a rectointercostal fascial plane block, could reduce pain and the need for strong painkillers after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. Fifty-six adults undergoing weight-loss surgery were randomly assigned to receive either t…

This study looked at a voluntary program to help people with chronic pain slowly lower their opioid medications. 51 adults who wanted to reduce their opioid dose worked with their doctor over 4 months using a personalized tapering plan and a self-help book. The main goal was to s…

This study tested a digital program called 'Empowered Relief: On-Demand' to see if it could help people with chronic pain who misuse prescription opioids. 234 adults with chronic pain and opioid misuse were randomly assigned to either the digital pain relief program or a health e…

This study tested a short video and a 3-week text messaging program for adults who recently experienced sexual assault. The goal was to see if these tools could help prevent or reduce posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and opioid misuse. Fifty participants received the video du…

This study tested whether giving acupuncture during hip replacement surgery helps patients use fewer opioids and recover faster. 484 adults having hip replacement were split into two groups: one received ear acupuncture with mild electrical stimulation while sedated, and the othe…

This study tested different ways to help people on medication for opioid use disorder do more yoga to manage their chronic pain. 192 adults who had been in treatment for at least 3 months took part. The goal was to see which combination of support methods helped them practice yog…

This study compared methadone to standard opioids like fentanyl for pain relief during and after outpatient surgery. Over 900 adults aged 18-65 having moderately painful procedures took part. The goal was to see if methadone could reduce the total amount of opioids patients used …

This completed trial tested whether a combination of four non-opioid drugs (magnesium, dexmedetomidine, ketamine, and lidocaine) given during major surgery could improve patient recovery compared to standard opioid-only anesthesia. 240 adults undergoing planned major surgery were…

This study tested whether giving a single dose of pregabalin (Lyrica) before ureteroscopy—a surgery for kidney stones that often leaves a temporary stent in the ureter—can reduce pain and the need for opioid painkillers afterward. 118 adults were randomly assigned to receive eith…

This study tested a mobile app called STAMP+CBT for advanced cancer patients with chronic pain. The app helps patients track their pain, mood, and opioid use while providing tailored education and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) exercises. Fifty-two patients used the app for 4…

This study looked at whether adding a specific nerve block (genicular and anterior femoral cutaneous nerve block) to standard care can lower pain and the need for strong painkillers after total knee replacement. 244 adults having knee replacement surgery took part. Half received …

This study aims to create and improve cognitive tasks used during functional MRI scans to better understand how drugs affect the brain. It involves 525 healthy volunteers, including both drug users and non-users, aged 18 to 65. Participants perform tasks like memory tests or reac…

This study tested a harm reduction program designed specifically for Black adults who misuse opioids or stimulants. 63 participants completed surveys before and after the program to see if their knowledge, confidence, and willingness to use overdose prevention techniques improved…

This study tested whether doctors can use simple decision guides to better manage opioid misuse behaviors in patients on long-term opioid therapy for chronic pain. Researchers worked with 49 clinicians at community clinics to see if the guides were easy to use and helpful. The go…

This completed study in Norway looked at how opioids like morphine, oxycodone, and fentanyl affect patients' mood and pain right before surgery. Over 1,000 healthy adults scheduled for day surgery answered questions about anxiety, relaxation, and pain after receiving a small dose…

This study tested whether a 10-week recovery program, co-led by a peer with mental illness and a professional, is feasible for people with mental illness in Taiwan. Twenty participants completed the program, which focused on recovery concepts, strengths, and goal setting. Researc…

This study looked back at the records of 652 patients who were seen in the emergency department of a French hospital and then referred to a special addiction liaison team. The goal was to understand the social and medical backgrounds of these patients. The findings could help hos…

This study tested two methods to encourage COVID-19 testing among people who use opioids: having friends refer others (chain referral) and using trusted community members (credible messengers). About 500 people took part. The goal was to see which method got more people tested an…

This study looked at whether changes in a person's voice can help detect opioid use in people being treated for opioid use disorder. Researchers collected voice samples from 41 patients and used machine learning to find patterns linked to opioid intoxication or withdrawal. The go…

This study tested whether a mobile app could help people on probation or parole who are receiving treatment for substance use disorder. 31 adults used the app alongside their usual care. Researchers measured how easy the app was to use and how satisfied participants were with it.

This study looked at how thinking skills and brain activity differ in people who self-harm compared to those who don't. Researchers interviewed 316 adults and gave them thinking tests, with some also having brain scans. The goal was to better understand self-harm to help create m…

This study tested a program called Recovery Bridge, where trained peer specialists (people with lived experience of mental illness) helped veterans leaving a psychiatric hospital connect to outpatient care and community life. Fifteen veterans took part to see if the program was f…

This completed Phase 1 study looked at how marijuana and an opioid drug influence each other's use in healthy adults aged 18-50 who had experience with both substances. Eight participants lived at a research unit for about 6.5 weeks and could earn doses of each drug under control…

This study tested whether an anti-stigma training program for healthcare providers improves attitudes toward people with mental illness or substance use problems. About 485 staff and clients from six health centers took part, with three centers receiving the training and three no…

This study looked at the best ways to bring FDA-approved digital treatments (reSET and reSET-O) for opioid and other substance use disorders into primary care clinics. Over 18,000 adults who screened positive for substance use took part. Researchers tested whether health coaching…

This study looked at how often insomnia occurs in people hospitalized for psychiatric conditions. Researchers checked 427 patients at 11 hospitals in Switzerland and Germany. They also explored whether age, gender, or type of disorder made insomnia more likely.

This study tested a program called CRAFT-EP, which helps families support a relative with early psychosis and substance use (like alcohol or cannabis). The program was delivered entirely through video calls. Researchers measured family members' depression and anxiety to see if th…

This study looked at whether gradually lowering opioid doses over time affects pain, quality of life, and mood in people with chronic non-cancer pain. 18 adults on stable opioid therapy were followed to compare slow tapering versus staying on their current dose. The goal was to s…

This study looked at whether a questionnaire called the Behavioral Activation for Depression Scale (BADS) is a good tool for measuring depression-related behaviors in people with substance use disorders. Researchers analyzed answers from 289 adults receiving treatment for substan…

This study tested an 8-month program called 'Meaningful Activities and Recovery' (MA&R) for people with mental illness. The program helps people take part in activities that matter to them. 139 adults took part to see if the program improves activity engagement, recovery, and qua…

This study tested a Spanish-language electronic screening tool called TAPS-ESP to identify tobacco, alcohol, prescription drug, and illicit substance use in primary care. About 1,000 Spanish-speaking adults from a clinic participated. The goal was to see if the tool accurately de…

This study explored whether adding mindfulness training to physical therapy is practical for people with long-term muscle and joint pain who also take opioid painkillers. Researchers developed a training manual for physical therapists and tested different ways to teach them mindf…

This study tested a new way to help addiction treatment clinics use an AI platform that coaches counselors in evidence-based techniques. Researchers worked with 479 leaders and staff from state agencies and clinics in Oregon and Indiana. The goal was to see if this strategy impro…

This study looked at whether giving patients educational materials about opioids and a way to dispose of unused pills could reduce the number of leftover opioid pills after shoulder replacement surgery. 140 adults scheduled for shoulder replacement took part. Half received the ed…

This completed study looked at how women who inject drugs view a long-acting injectable HIV prevention medication called CAB-LA. Researchers interviewed 144 women to understand what influences their decisions to use this option versus daily pills. The goal is to learn how to bett…

This completed study worked with 65 African American/Black adults who use cocaine or other illicit substances to develop a manual called I-DREM. The goal was to gather their feedback on how to improve recruitment and retention in substance use disorder clinical trials. Participan…

This study looked at how alcohol and opioids (like prescription painkillers) affect people when taken together. Eleven healthy adults who use both substances but are not dependent on them took part. Researchers measured how much participants liked the drug combination and how dru…

This study tested a computer tool that helps doctors and patients with chronic pain make treatment decisions together. The tool was used in primary care clinics for patients with long-term muscle or bone pain who had recently taken opioids. The goal was to see if clinics would ad…

This study tested a brief, computer-based personalized feedback program for adults with chronic pain who drink heavily and take prescription opioids. The program was designed to educate participants about the risks of mixing alcohol and opioids and to motivate them to reduce drin…

This completed Phase 1 study looked at how opioids and sedatives affect the body and mind when taken together. Eleven healthy adults who use these drugs non-medically rated their drug liking and other effects. The goal was to understand the interaction between these common prescr…

This completed study looked at 224 adults who already had at least one psychiatric condition to see how many also had undiagnosed ADHD. Researchers measured how often ADHD was missed and tracked quality of life in those diagnosed. The goal is to highlight the need for better dete…

This study tested whether combining a policy change with professional training can reduce stigma toward substance use in mental health clinics. Twelve providers from two sites participated. The goal was to see if the combined approach improves how often substance use is addressed…

This study tested whether sending letters to doctors about their patients' opioid overdoses would reduce how often they prescribe strong painkillers. Researchers looked at 61 clinicians who had prescribed opioids to patients who later had a non-fatal or fatal overdose. The goal w…

This study tested an educational program designed to improve teenagers' knowledge and behavior around substance abuse. The program used a model called the Behavior Change Wheel to guide learning. Researchers worked with 226 adolescents aged 10 to 18 who had not received similar e…