SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS

This study looks at whether switching to e-cigarettes (nicotine vapes) can help people who smoke and are in treatment for substance use disorder quit cigarettes. About 240 participants will either use e-cigarettes or FDA-approved nicotine patches and lozenges. The study lasts 6 m…

This study tests a 5-session virtual program called MATTER for 256 people living with HIV and substance use disorders. The program uses text messages and coaching to address internalized stigma and shame, helping participants stay engaged in HIV care and achieve viral suppression…

This study tests whether ketamine, given through an IV, can help adults with moderate to severe methamphetamine use disorder reduce or stop their use. 120 participants will receive either ketamine or a placebo drug, and researchers will check urine samples to see if the treatment…

This study tests whether a virtual reality (VR) experience can help people in early recovery from stimulant use disorder reduce drug use and stay sober longer. Researchers will compare a VR group to a control group to see if the VR tool improves future thinking and decision-makin…

This study tests a community program 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. Researchers will track how many stay in treatment and how many days they go without opio…

This study looks at two different support programs to help people recently involved with the justice system start or restart HIV prevention (PrEP) or treatment (ART) and substance use care. About 400 participants will be assigned to either standard patient navigation or a shared …

This study tests a program called PrTNER that helps young people aged 15-29 who are at risk for or living with HIV and also have substance use issues. The program provides support to start HIV prevention medicine (PrEP) or to lower the amount of virus in the body for those alread…

This study looks at whether starting a quit attempt during the first half of the menstrual cycle (follicular phase) helps women stop smoking more successfully than starting during the second half (luteal phase) or without cycle timing. About 1,200 women who smoke daily and have r…

This study is testing a virtual reality tool to help young people who have experienced trauma reduce their risk of substance use and HIV. The study includes 50 participants aged 15-30 who are men who have sex with men or have substance use disorder. Researchers will use interview…

This study tests whether adding extra supports to a group parenting program can improve language development in young children (12-42 months) of parents with substance use disorder. About 244 families will take part. The goal is to prevent language delays and long-term learning c…

This study tests a new way to prevent HIV among people who inject drugs and their friends or partners. Researchers will train some participants to become peer educators, teaching their social network about HIV testing, PrEP (a daily pill that prevents HIV), and treatment for opio…

This study tests a therapy called SoundHeal for teens in juvenile detention who struggle with emotions like anger and anxiety. About 12 youth aged 12-18 will sit in a special pod with calming sounds, music, gentle vibrations, and soft light, then write about their experience. The…

This study tests a virtual reality (VR) program designed to help people with substance use and mental health disorders improve their social functioning. About 102 adults in long-term addiction treatment will either receive VR training twice a week for five weeks plus usual care, …

This study looks at whether doing yoga or physical therapy at opioid treatment programs can help people with chronic back pain and opioid use disorder feel better and use fewer opioids. About 180 adults will be assigned to 12 weeks of yoga, physical therapy, or their usual care. …

This study tests whether a short writing therapy called Written Exposure Therapy (WET) can help veterans who have both PTSD and substance use disorders. Participants will complete five writing sessions about their trauma. The goal is to see if this approach reduces PTSD symptoms …

This early study tests whether low intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) can safely help treat opioid and other substance use disorders. About 29 adults aged 18-60 who are already in outpatient treatment will receive the ultrasound procedure. The main goal is to check for side effe…

This study tests a gentle, non-invasive brain stimulation technique called temporal interference (TI) to see if it can reduce nicotine cravings and vaping. 120 adults who vape heavily will receive either real stimulation to a deep brain area or a sham (fake) treatment during a si…

This study tests a brief computer program designed to help teenagers aged 13 to 17 reduce their use of cannabis and alcohol. Participants who are already seeking treatment for substance use will use the program and then be followed up at one and three months. The goal is to see i…

This study tests a digital therapy program called RITch®CBT that uses an avatar to guide men through cognitive behavioral therapy for addiction. The goal is to reduce cravings and substance use, and it can be done from home. The study involves 40 men with alcohol or stimulant use…

This study tests a new therapy called A-EMDR, where people use eye movements on their own to help with PTSD and substance use problems. 24 adults with both conditions will try A-EMDR or continue their usual care for 4 weeks. Researchers will check if symptoms and substance use im…

This study tests whether trained peer recovery specialists can effectively deliver a depression treatment called Behavioral Activation to people with both depression and substance use disorder. The goal is to improve access to mental health care in low-income communities. Researc…

This study is testing whether a 12-week therapy program called ECCCLORE is practical and acceptable for people who have both post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and addiction. The program combines skills for managing emotions, stress, and relationships. Researchers will enroll …

This study tests a small device that sends mild electrical pulses to a nerve in the ear to help people with alcohol use disorder manage withdrawal symptoms. Twenty adults will wear the device for 5 days during detox, and half will receive a placebo version. Researchers will measu…

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

This study tests a method called FIT (Feedback Informed Treatment) in social services. Clients regularly rate their main problems and how they feel about the help they get. The goal is to see if this feedback leads to better results and fewer people dropping out. About 400 adults…

This study is testing a new family-based program called Fam-AID for teenagers who have both a substance use problem and an internalizing disorder like anxiety or depression. The program adds extra support to the teen's usual substance use treatment by involving family members and…

This study looks at whether cognitive remediation—a type of brain training with coaching—can improve thinking skills, daily function, and behavior in people staying in a forensic mental health unit. About 30 adults with conditions like psychosis, ADHD, or substance use will take …

This study tests whether a tool called MyPath helps women with substance use disorder make and stick with a birth control plan after giving birth. About 400 women will use the tool or receive standard care. The goal is to see if MyPath improves consistent use of effective contrac…

This study aims to develop and test a new 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. The study will involve 43 supervisors and coun…

This study tests whether a mild electrical current applied to the scalp (tDCS) can improve executive functions like memory, attention, and decision-making. Researchers will enroll 600 adults with conditions such as traumatic brain injury, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophren…

This study looks at whether brain activity related to learning can predict how well teens respond to a program aimed at reducing cannabis use. Teens aged 14-17 will have a brain scan and then attend 10 weekly virtual sessions where they report their cannabis use and take drug tes…

This study is testing a new blood test to see if it can help doctors tell the difference between depression and schizophrenia, and predict which treatments will work best. Researchers will collect blood samples and mental health surveys from 500 adults over three visits. The goal…

This study tests whether a telemedicine program is practical and well-received for treating substance use disorders in people living with HIV in Alabama. About 30 participants who misuse opioids or stimulants will receive care via video or phone. The main goal is to see if they a…