SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS

This study tests a computerized task where teens push or pull a joystick in response to images, aiming to change automatic habits around cannabis and alcohol. Fifty-two participants aged 13-17 who use both substances will be followed for three months. The goal is to see if this s…

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 5-session virtual program called MATTER for 256 people living with HIV and substance use disorders in Boston and Miami. The program uses text messages and coaching to help people manage shame and stigma, set health goals, and stay connected to HIV care. The goa…

This study tests a program called PrTNER that helps young people aged 15-29 who are at risk for HIV or already living with it, and who also have substance use issues. The program provides prevention, treatment, and support to help them start HIV prevention medication (PrEP) or lo…

This study is testing whether e-cigarettes (nicotine vapes) can help people who are in treatment for substance use disorder quit smoking. Participants will either switch to e-cigarettes or use FDA-approved nicotine patches and lozenges, with weekly counseling. The goal is to see …

This study tests whether starting nicotine replacement therapy (patches, gum, or lozenges) at a specific time in the menstrual cycle helps women quit smoking. About 1,200 women who smoke daily and have regular periods will be assigned to start their quit attempt during the follic…

This study is testing whether virtual reality (VR) training can help people with substance use and mental health disorders improve their social functioning and quality of life. Researchers will compare VR training plus standard care against standard care alone in 102 adults recei…

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 is developing and testing a virtual reality tool to help young people aged 15-30 who have experienced trauma and are at risk for substance use and HIV. The goal is to see if the tool can reduce substance use and risky behaviors. Researchers are recruiting young men who…

This study tests whether adding extra supports—like telehealth coaching and practical help—to a group parenting program can prevent language delays in young children (12-42 months) of parents with substance use disorders. 244 parents will be assigned to the group program alone or…

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 study tests whether using a mobile app called the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) can help adults who are in treatment for substance use and have a history of trauma. About 100 participants will either use the active SSP or a sham version for up to 5 hours over a week, alongsi…

This study tests a new, non-invasive brain stimulation method called temporal interference (TI) to reduce nicotine cravings and vaping. 120 adults who vape heavily will receive either real TI stimulation to deep brain areas linked to addiction or a sham (fake) treatment during a …

This study tests a wearable earpiece that gently stimulates nerves to help people going through alcohol withdrawal. Twenty adults with alcohol use disorder will wear the device or a sham version for 5 days during detox. Researchers will measure withdrawal severity, cravings, and …

This study tests whether an app-based therapy called A-EMDR can help people who have both PTSD and substance use disorders. Twenty-four adults will use the app three times a week for four weeks, while researchers track changes in PTSD symptoms and substance use. The goal is to se…

This study tests whether peer recovery specialists—people who have themselves recovered from mental health or substance use problems—can effectively deliver a therapy called behavioral activation to reduce depression and substance use. The trial will enroll 250 low-income adults …

This study tests whether a short writing therapy called Written Exposure Therapy (WET) can help veterans who have both posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and a substance use disorder. About 170 veterans will complete five writing sessions about their trauma. The goal is to see …

This study tests a 12-week group therapy program called ECCCLORE for people who have both post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and addiction. The program combines skills for managing emotions, distress, and relationships. Researchers want to see if it is feasible and acceptable …

This study tests a digital 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 while also addressing relationship conflict. Forty men entering addiction treatment will use t…

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 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 tests a training program called INSPIRE designed for healthcare teams caring for people with substance use disorder during childbirth. The program includes online learning and in-person simulations. Researchers want to see if the training changes healthcare providers' …

This study will test whether a mobile app that teaches people about how addiction affects the brain is easy to use and acceptable for people receiving medication treatment for opioid or stimulant use disorders. Forty participants will use the app and complete surveys. The goal is…

This trial compares an online training program (COPEWeb) to in-person training for behavioral health providers. The goal is to see if the online version is as effective at teaching providers to deliver a combined treatment for PTSD and substance use disorders. Providers will be r…

This study looks at how alcohol and substance use affect people with severe mental illnesses like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Researchers compare those who also have substance use problems with those who do not, measuring things like hospitalizations, medication needs, em…

This study looks at whether federal policy changes made during the COVID-19 pandemic helped more veterans get and stay on medication for opioid or alcohol use disorder. Researchers will compare treatment use, retention, and outcomes before and after the policy changes using data …

This study will follow 40 adults aged 18-70 who currently take tirzepatide, a medication for blood sugar and appetite control. Researchers will temporarily stop the drug for 3-4 weeks and then restart it for 6-8 weeks, using brain scans, questionnaires, and stool samples to track…

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 get a brain scan, then attend 10 weekly virtual sessions where they report use and take drug tests. They can earn prizes…

This study is testing a new family-based program (Fam-AID) for teens aged 13-21 who are getting treatment for substance use and also have anxiety or depression. The program adds extra support for mental health and family involvement to their usual care. Researchers want to see if…

This study is testing whether a new blood test can help tell the difference between depression and schizophrenia, and whether it can show if a treatment is working. Researchers will take blood samples and do mental health check-ins with 500 adults over several visits. The goal is…

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 pilot study tests whether telemedicine can help people living with HIV in Alabama who also struggle with opioid or stimulant misuse get follow-up care. Thirty participants will receive either telemedicine or standard care. The goal is to see if telemedicine is feasible and a…

This study tests a method called Feedback Informed Treatment (FIT) in Swedish social services. Social workers will regularly ask clients for feedback using simple rating scales, then adjust support based on what clients say. The goal is to see if this reduces dropout and helps pe…

This study tests whether cognitive remediation—brain exercises with coaching—can improve thinking skills and reduce aggression in 30 forensic inpatients with conditions like psychosis, ADHD, or substance use. Participants will do exercises and be compared to an active control gro…

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 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…

This study is testing whether a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called tDCS can improve executive functions—like working memory, attention, and decision-making—in people with conditions such as traumatic brain injury, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, ADHD, bo…