Does rehab rebuild empathy? a trial puts social skills to the test.

NCT ID NCT06535919

Ongoing Symptom relief Sponsor: Nova Southeastern University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jul 22, 2026 · Last updated Jul 23, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study asks whether standard residential treatment for substance use disorders can improve a person's ability to empathize with others. Researchers will measure empathy levels in about 108 adults before and after they complete a residential program followed by partial hospitalization. The goal is to see if empathy—a key part of social connection—changes during recovery.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: residential substance use treatment (standard care)
What this could lead to: If empathy improves during treatment, it could point to social cognition as a target for better recovery support.
What could go wrong: This is a small, single-site study with no control group, so any changes may not be due to treatment alone. Results may not apply to other treatment settings.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

substance abuse substance-related disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

EMPATHY SUBSTANCE USE

Contacts and locations

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Locations

Recovery Unplugged

Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 33304, United States
Recovery Unplugged

Lake Worth, Florida, 33461, United States

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