Opioid abuse

This study tests whether a virtual session with a peer recovery coach can help incarcerated adults with substance use disorders connect to addiction treatment and recovery resources. About 550 participants in jail will either get the coaching or just standard information. Researc…

This trial tests whether giving far fewer opioid pills after hip arthroscopy, combined with gabapentin and extra-strength Tylenol, can control pain as well as the standard 30-pill opioid prescription. About 170 adults undergoing their first hip arthroscopy will be randomly assign…

This study tests a program called Returning to the Land, designed for young Native American caregivers (ages 14-19) who have a child aged 1-5. The program uses time in a biodiverse outdoor setting to address caregiver substance use and support children's emotional and behavioral …

This phase 2 trial tests whether semaglutide, a GLP-1 drug used for diabetes and weight loss, can help adults with opioid use disorder avoid using illicit opioids. Participants already receiving buprenorphine or methadone treatment will take weekly semaglutide or a placebo for 12…

This study examines whether adding structured high-intensity physical exercise to a 3-month residential treatment program for substance use disorder improves patients' physical health, mental health, and quality of life. Researchers measure changes in oxygen uptake, leg strength,…

This study is testing two counseling approaches—Motivational Interviewing (MI) and Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement (MORE)—to help people on methadone treatment reduce their use of tobacco, opioids, and other drugs. Researchers will enroll 420 adults who are currently on…

This study tests whether patient navigation—a series of coaching sessions—helps pregnant women with opioid use disorder stay in treatment and reduce drug use. About 429 pregnant women will be randomly assigned to either usual care or patient navigation, which includes up to 14 se…

This study tests a device called Addinex that stores opioid pills and releases them only with a unique passcode. Adults having cancer-related surgery who expect to need opioids for pain will use the device instead of a standard pill bottle. Researchers will measure how many unuse…

This trial tests whether a helmet that delivers focused ultrasound waves can safely change brain activity in people with moderate-to-severe substance use disorder who haven't responded to medication. Participants receive two MRI-guided sessions targeting brain regions linked to a…

This study investigates whether oxygen and the drug acetazolamide can help stabilize breathing during sleep in people who take prescription opioids and have sleep apnea. Researchers will measure breathing patterns and sleep quality in 150 veterans. The goal is to find new ways to…

This study tests a mobile health app called uMAT-R, designed to help Black adults recover from opioid or stimulant use and manage depression or anxiety. Participants are recruited from community treatment centers and use the app to track substance use and mental health symptoms. …

This early-stage trial is testing whether low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) can safely help people with opioid or other substance use disorders. The device sends sound waves to specific brain areas to calm cravings. 29 adults in outpatient treatment will receive both real a…

This study compares two patient navigation models for people recently involved in the criminal legal system who have substance use disorders. One group gets standard navigation, while the other can choose from a menu of services like in-person clinics, mobile health units, or tel…

This study tests a smartphone app designed to help young adults aged 18 to 25 who want to reduce their combined use of alcohol and opioids. The app sends timely tips based on users' daily reports. The goal is to see if the app is usable, satisfying, and worth testing in larger st…

This study tests whether showing doctors a warning flag in electronic health records for patients at high risk of opioid overdose can lead to safer prescribing. About 1,350 adults who recently received an opioid prescription will be included. Doctors in some clinics will see a si…

This study tests whether a program called SBIRT (Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment) can help people reduce risky alcohol and drug use. About 400 adults visiting family planning clinics will either get SBIRT or usual care. Researchers will track changes in d…

This study tests whether a mobile app can help people in addiction treatment avoid relapse. 150 participants will either receive standard care or standard care plus the app, which monitors warning signs and sends alerts. The goal is to see if the app improves long-term recovery.

This study tests a program called Hastiin Bidziil (Strong Man) to help Native American men ages 18 and older reduce their use of alcohol and drugs. About 160 men from Arizona communities will take part. The program focuses on cultural strengths and community support to lower subs…

This study tests whether counseling plus a muscle relaxant (tizanidine) can help adults who have used opioids for a long time reduce their pain medication after elective surgery. About 375 participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: the combo treatment, counsel…

This pilot study tests a personalized deep brain stimulation (DBS) method for people with severe, treatment-resistant substance use disorders. Ten participants will first undergo detox, then have temporary electrodes placed in their brains to map addiction-related circuits, follo…

This early-stage study tests the safety of nalmefene implants in 24 healthy adults. Participants receive one or two implants that stay in place for 4 or 12 weeks. Researchers monitor side effects and how the drug moves through the body to plan future studies in people with opioid…

This study looks at whether taking part in a traditional Ojibwe ceremony called Gii'igoshimong can help American Indian adults cut down on substance use and improve their mental health. About 300 adults who identify as Ojibwe/Anishinaabe/Chippewa and have used substances in the p…

This study tests a new behavioral program called InTEGRA for teens aged 14-21 with alcohol or cannabis use disorder. It combines 12-step facilitation with motivational and cognitive-behavioral therapy. Researchers will compare it to standard therapy to see if it leads to more day…

This study tests a smartphone app designed to strengthen self-control in teens and young adults (ages 14-35) being treated for alcohol or cocaine use disorder. Participants will complete 12 short training sessions over about a month, plus booster sessions. The goal is to see if t…

This study tests whether giving financial incentives for negative drug tests can help people with opioid, cocaine, or methamphetamine use disorder stay abstinent. Six hundred participants use a smartphone app to submit saliva tests. Some receive escalating or de-escalating reward…

This study tests whether trained peer recovery specialists can help Black individuals with substance use stick to their long-acting injectable HIV treatment or prevention. 186 participants will either get this peer support or standard care. The goal is to see if the peer program …

This study tests a new way to help people with opioid use disorder in rural Georgia. Emergency rooms will use video calls to connect patients with poison center doctors who can start medication (buprenorphine) and link them to peer recovery coaches. The goal is to see if this app…

This study tests a community program called Young HEROES for youth aged 12-17 with opioid use disorder. It combines medication, counseling, and peer support to help them stay in treatment and stop using opioids. The goal is to see if this approach works better than usual care in …

This study tests whether a 'practice coaching' program can help opioid treatment clinics offer more HIV and hepatitis C testing to their patients. Clinics are randomly assigned to receive either coaching focused on HIV testing, coaching that adds hepatitis C testing, or just info…

This pilot trial tests a counseling program called CHOICES-PLEAS for women in a jail-based substance use treatment program. The goal is to reduce the risk of substance-exposed pregnancies by helping women change their substance use and risky sexual behaviors. Participants receive…

This study tests whether a drug prevention program called Project ALERT, combined with a support tool called Getting to Outcomes, can reduce substance use among 7th and 8th graders. Researchers will track students' alcohol, cigarette, marijuana, and other drug use, as well as the…

This study tests whether adding a trained family advocate to a proven parenting program can help prevent substance use and reduce childhood trauma. About 360 families from 36 high-risk communities in New Jersey will take part. The goal is to see if extra support makes the program…

This study aims to see if training people who inject drugs to become peer educators can help their friends get tested for HIV and use prevention tools like PrEP and treatment for opioid use. About 360 participants from syringe service programs in Maryland will be recruited, along…

This trial compares two types of nerve blocks given before breast surgery to see which better prevents chronic pain that can last for months. Women aged 18-65 scheduled for mastectomy will receive either a serratus posterior superior intercostal plane block or an erector spinae p…

This study compares two types of nerve blocks—SPSIPB and ESPB—for pain relief after breast surgery. 54 women will be randomly assigned to receive one block before anesthesia. Researchers will measure pain scores and opioid use in the first 24 hours to see which block works better…

This study tests a web-based platform called KulaMind-Recovery designed to help loved ones of people recovering from substance use disorders. The platform offers skill-building modules, one-on-one video sessions, text-based coaching, and a community forum. Researchers will see if…

This study tests whether an extra nerve block given during weight-loss surgery can lower pain, nausea, and the need for painkillers in the first three days after surgery. About 200 adults having gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy will be randomly assigned to get either standard…

This study tests whether giving testosterone to men with chronic back pain who take opioids can improve their pain, sexual function, fatigue, and quality of life. The men have low testosterone caused by opioids. Half will get testosterone injections and half a placebo. The trial …

This study tests whether mindfulness meditation can change how the brain processes pain in people with chronic low back pain who use opioids. Researchers will measure brain activity and pain ratings in 150 adults after 8 meditation sessions. The goal is to understand the brain me…

This study tests whether a quadratus lumborum block—a type of nerve block—can better control pain and reduce opioid use in children aged 6 to 18 who are having palate repair surgery with bone taken from the hip. Half of the participants receive the nerve block, while the other ha…

This study tests whether the insomnia medication lemborexant can improve sleep, mood, and impulse control in men and women with opioid use disorder who are already taking buprenorphine. Participants take either lemborexant or a placebo nightly for 8 weeks and complete surveys, co…

This study compares opioid-free anesthesia to standard opioid-based anesthesia in 40 adults undergoing open abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. The goal is to see if avoiding opioids reduces the body's stress response and inflammation during and after surgery. Researchers will meas…

This study compares two pain management plans after laparoscopic tubal sterilization: one with opioids and one without. About 38 women will report their pain levels and satisfaction. The goal is to see if non-opioid drugs like Tylenol and ibuprofen work just as well.

This study tests whether olanzapine, a medication typically used for mental health conditions, can reduce opioid cravings and misuse in adults with cancer who are on long-term opioid pain therapy. About 87 participants will receive either olanzapine or a placebo to see if it help…

This study looks at two types of nerve blocks given before mastectomy to see which one better prevents chronic pain. About 132 adults having a mastectomy will be randomly assigned to receive either an erector spinae block or a paravertebral block. Researchers will track pain, opi…

This study tests whether adding either dexamethasone or dexmedetomidine to a standard numbing medicine (bupivacaine) in a nerve block can provide longer pain relief after abdominal surgery. About 96 adults aged 25-65 will be enrolled. The goal is to reduce pain and the need for s…

This study is testing whether music therapy can help people with substance use disorder. 600 participants across Europe will be randomly assigned to either active music-making, music listening, or standard treatment. The goal is to see if music therapy improves addiction severity…

This study tests a program called the Transitional Pain Service Program for adults who have chronic pain and take opioids before surgery. The program includes pain education, therapy, and a mobile app to help patients manage pain and safely reduce opioid use. Researchers will com…

This study tests whether placing a steroid (Depo-Medrol) directly on the spine during back surgery can lower pain and the need for opioid painkillers afterward. About 150 adults having one- or two-level lumbar decompression will be randomly assigned to get the steroid or a placeb…

This study tests whether adding a non-opioid painkiller (ketorolac) to standard opioid pain medication can reduce the amount of opioids needed after preventive femur surgery. The study includes 60 adults with bone lesions from cancer who are getting a metal rod placed in the thig…

This study compares two behavioral programs for people with chronic pain, chronic insomnia, and long-term opioid use. One program uses cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), the other is standard treatment. The goal is to see if improving sleep can also reduce opioid …

This study compares a nonopioid pain control plan to standard opioid pain medicine in 75 adults after surgery for a broken collarbone. The goal is to see if the nonopioid plan can control pain just as well while reducing opioid side effects and addiction risk. Participants are ra…

This study tests whether a non-invasive device that stimulates the vagus nerve in the neck can reduce withdrawal symptoms in people with opioid use disorder. About 103 participants will stay in the hospital for a week, receive either active or sham stimulation, and have brain sca…

This study tests whether a single dose of ketamine given during surgery can help adults with serious orthopedic trauma recover better. Researchers want to see if it reduces pain, lowers the need for opioids, and improves symptoms of depression and PTSD. Ninety participants will b…

This study tests whether a specific injection technique called erector spinae plane block (ESPB) reduces pain and opioid use after lumbar spinal fusion better than standard subcutaneous anesthesia. Researchers will enroll 66 adults scheduled for one- or two-level lumbar fusion. P…

This study tests whether combining virtual reality with pleasant smells can lower pain and anxiety in people recovering from heart or lung surgery. About 80 adults scheduled for cardiothoracic surgery will either receive the VR-and-scent therapy or standard care. The goal is to s…

This study tests whether adding pregabalin to the standard withdrawal drug lofexidine helps people with opioid use disorder feel less sick while quitting. About 150 adults who want to start long-acting naltrexone will take either the combination or a placebo for 8 days. The goal …

This study compares opioid (Norco) and non-opioid (ibuprofen and acetaminophen) pain medications in 148 adults undergoing knee arthroscopy. Participants take one tablet up to four times daily for seven days after surgery. The goal is to see if non-opioids provide similar pain rel…

This study tests two approaches—mindfulness training and patient-centered pain management visits—to help adults with chronic pain who take long-term opioids. The goal is to reduce pain, improve quality of life, and lower the risk of opioid misuse. About 300 participants will be f…

This study tests a multi-sensory therapy called Heal, which uses calming sounds, gentle vibrations, and soft lighting to help detained youth (ages 12-18) manage their emotions before counseling sessions. The goal is to see if this brief, non-verbal intervention improves emotional…

This study tests whether giving patients a fixed, evidence-based number of opioid pills after hand or forearm surgery leads to fewer unused pills while still controlling pain. About 292 adults having elective outpatient hand surgery at Toronto Western Hospital will be randomly as…

This study compares two ways to manage pain after total knee replacement: a continuous nerve catheter that delivers numbing medicine for days versus a single nerve block. Sixty-four adults scheduled for knee surgery will be randomly assigned to one of the two methods. Researchers…

This study tests if delivering lidocaine (a numbing medicine) and steroids directly into an artery in the scalp can safely relieve the intense headaches that follow a type of brain bleed called subarachnoid hemorrhage. The goal is to reduce pain and the need for strong opioid pai…

This study tests a device called VibraCool that uses cooling and vibration to reduce pain after ACL knee surgery. The goal is to see if it can lower pain scores and help people stop taking opioid pain pills sooner. About 130 adults who had ACL reconstruction will use the device a…

This study tests whether a special brain monitor (MGRNOX) can help doctors give less opioid pain medicine during gallbladder surgery. About 112 adults having laparoscopic cholecystectomy will be randomly assigned to standard care or MGRNOX-guided care. The goal is to see if the m…

This study tests whether a gentle, non-invasive device placed on the ear can help reduce pain after lumbar (lower back) surgery. The device stimulates nerves in the ear to change how the brain processes pain. Researchers will enroll 20 adults having back surgery to see if this ap…

This pilot study tests a new device that only releases opioid pills at set times after spine surgery, aiming to reduce misuse and side effects. Half of the 30 participants will use the device and an app, while the other half get a standard pill bottle and app. Researchers will tr…

This study tests whether peer support workers—people with lived experience of substance use—can help people who use drugs feel safer and stay in the emergency department until their care is complete. The study will compare what happens when peer workers are on shift versus when t…

This study tests whether extra support for case managers helps veterans leaving the military better manage pain and reduce risky substance use. About 1800 veterans will take part. The program focuses on non-drug pain treatments and counseling.

This study tests whether a numbing medicine injected around the cervix during vaginal hysterectomy for prolapse can lower pain and reduce the need for strong opioid painkillers afterward. About 56 participants will receive either the numbing medicine or a placebo (saltwater) inje…

This study is testing whether giving patients a combination of ibuprofen and acetaminophen (called Maxigesic) before surgery can reduce the amount of remifentanil, a strong opioid, needed during the operation. The trial will include 96 adults aged 19-60 who are scheduled for surg…

This study looks at whether using the Headspace mindfulness app before surgery or chemoradiation can help people with endometrial or cervical cancer use fewer opioid painkillers. About 120 participants will be randomly assigned to use the app or not. The goal is to see if mindful…

This study compares two types of nerve blocks—paravertebral block and erector spinae plane block—to see which controls pain better during and after thoracotomy (lung surgery). The goal is to reduce the amount of opioids needed during surgery and improve recovery. Sixty adults sch…

This study tests whether a special team of doctors, nurses, and peer supporters can help people with substance use disorders get the follow-up care they need after a hospital stay. The team meets patients in the hospital and provides support and treatment after they leave, helpin…

This study uses brain scans to understand why some people relapse to opioid use during treatment. Researchers at Yale will follow 240 adults recently started on methadone or buprenorphine, tracking their brain connectivity and drug use for six months. The goal is to identify patt…

This study follows 700 people with substance use disorders over two years to see how addiction symptoms, especially craving, are connected and whether those connections change as addiction severity shifts. Participants complete annual diagnostic assessments and two-week periods o…

This pilot study tests whether a specially designed family therapy program is practical and well-liked by women who have opioid use disorder and are involved in the justice system. About 120 women and a family member will take part, with some receiving the therapy plus usual care…

This study tests a bundle of smartphone-based tools, including a mobile health app and other online resources, to see if they are practical and helpful for people who use drugs. The goal is to lower overdose risk by improving access to prevention services. Forty participants will…

This study looks at how sex hormones like testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone relate to pain levels and opioid use after surgery in girls aged 11 to 16. Researchers will also examine whether immune factors help explain these effects. The goal is to better understand why pain…

This study explores whether a short substance use questionnaire and brief counseling session can be easily added to regular check-ups for adult survivors of childhood cancer. About 30 participants will fill out a screening tool and, if needed, receive supportive counseling during…

This study is testing whether a short, tailored alcohol intervention is practical and well-liked by people who are taking buprenorphine for opioid use and also drink alcohol. About 60 adults will take part. The goal is to see if this approach could work in a larger future study.

This study looks at how long-term opioid therapy changes brain and spinal cord activity in women with chronic pain. Researchers will compare brain scans of women with chronic pain and/or opioid use to healthy women. The goal is to find new ways to treat chronic pain without relyi…

This study looks at how a person's mental state—like anxiety, sleep problems, and fear of pain—affects how well numbing medication works during surgery. Researchers will follow 1,000 adults to see if these factors change pain levels, opioid use, and the chance of long-term pain. …

This study looks at how stopping smoking for six weeks affects the body's chemistry and gut bacteria in people being treated for substance use disorders. Researchers will compare 100 participants who quit smoking with 50 healthy controls, using blood and stool samples along with …

This trial tests two types of opioid-free anesthesia in 70 people having weight-loss surgery. One method uses a gas called desflurane, the other uses intravenous drugs. Researchers will measure stress hormones in the blood to see which approach causes less stress on the body. The…

This study is testing a new center in Seattle where people who have had an opioid overdose can stay for up to 24 hours. The center offers monitoring, medication for opioid use disorder, and connections to ongoing care. Researchers will compare outcomes like repeat overdoses and t…

This study aims to see if a digital version of the WHO's mental health guide for substance use disorders can be used effectively in primary care settings in Pakistan. Researchers will train 300 primary care doctors in three major cities using this digital tool. The goal is to und…

This study aims to improve pain relief after cesarean sections by looking at how a mother's genes affect her response to opioids. Researchers will enroll 700 women and track genetic markers linked to side effects like breathing problems and nausea. The goal is to create a persona…

This study looks at whether using a special counseling style called Motivational Interviewing during the first visit can help people stay in addiction treatment. Researchers will compare this approach to the usual intake process. About 150 adults seeking outpatient addiction trea…

This study looks at whether a tool called MyPath helps women with substance use disorder make better decisions about birth control after having a baby. About 400 women will use the tool during pregnancy or right after delivery. The goal is to see if it helps them pick a method th…

This study tests whether low-dose buccal buprenorphine (a film placed in the cheek) can provide pain relief similar to a standard dose of oxycodone but with less potential for abuse. 120 healthy adults will receive different doses of buprenorphine, oxycodone, or placebo in separa…

This study is looking at 120 people who are already in treatment for abusing opioids and/or benzodiazepines (anti-anxiety drugs). Researchers want to understand why people use these drugs together, which greatly raises the risk of overdose and death. Participants will complete in…

This study is testing how opioids (morphine) and benzodiazepines (alprazolam) affect mood, anxiety, and thinking when taken alone or together. Researchers will give 24 people with a history of using these drugs single doses in a lab and measure their responses. The goal is to und…

This study aims to develop and test a supervision strategy for clinical supervisors in substance use disorder treatment programs. The goal is to reduce counselor burnout and turnover, and improve their well-being and performance. About 43 supervisors and counselors from residenti…

This study is testing a cooking and nutrition program for 50 people in Texas who are recovering from opioid use and living in recovery homes while on medication therapy. The program aims to improve their eating habits and confidence in cooking skills. Participants will fill out q…

This study is following 10,000 people who are seeking help for substance or behavioral addictions. Researchers will track their medical, brain, social, and psychological health over several years using interviews, questionnaires, and cognitive tests. The goal is to better underst…

This study is testing how well a culturally adapted screening and brief counseling program works for American Indian and Alaska Native adults who have chronic pain or misuse opioids. Researchers will work with three clinics to see if the program is easy to use and helpful. The go…

This study looks at whether having a specially trained peer recovery specialist in the emergency department helps people with substance use disorders connect to treatment and support services. Researchers will follow 400 adults who visit the ER for substance-related issues, compa…